Personal profile
Research Interests
- science communication
- space studies
- fan studies
- digital and social media
- television
Teaching
Travis has supervised Masters, PhD, and Honours research students working on topics including:
- sport communication and digital mediatisation
- health communication via podcasts
- local government and social media
- rural women podcasting
He is particularly interested in developing future student projects in science communication.
Personal profile
Media and Technology Studies
Investigating how emerging technologies shape public communication and cultural narratives, from social media's influence on local governance to the role of digital platforms in fan communities. This research has produced publications on topics ranging from Facebook and Google's transformation of advertising to the embodied experiences of augmented reality gaming.
Science Communication and Popular Culture
Bridging science communication and media studies through innovative research on how scientific knowledge is mediated through popular culture. This includes work on palaeontological representation in media, space exploration narratives, and the intersection of scientific discourse with entertainment media. Recent projects include studies of science podcasting methodologies and the cultural impact of Jurassic Park on public understanding of palaeontology.
Digital Pedagogy and Innovation
As a Course Director (2017-2022), Travis comprehensive curriculum redesign of both undergraduate and master's programmes in communication. His pedagogical research advocates for innovative digital learning approaches, particularly online student media and creative practice methodologies. He co-leads the Media Lab research group, focusing on creative innovation in digital communication.
This interdisciplinary expertise is reflected in publications across leading journals including Television and New Media, Media International Australia, and Persona Studies, as well as substantial public engagement through The Conversation, ABC, and international media outlets.
Education/Academic qualification
Space Studies, Executive Certificate, Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program, University of South Australia
31 Jan 2018 → 19 Feb 2021
Award Date: 19 Feb 2021
Higher Education, Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education , Charles Sturt University
Jul 2017 → Jul 2018
Award Date: 14 Dec 2018
Doctor of Philosophy (Communication), The Politics of Place: Heterogeneous Networks in Three New South Wales Local Government Areas, University of Wollongong
2013 → 2017
Award Date: 17 Jul 2017
Palaeontology, Undergraduate Certificate in Palaeontology, University of New England
Nov 2022 → Nov 2023
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Hons)/Bachelor of Arts (Politics), University of Wollongong
2009 → 2012
External positions
Interim Project Manager: Critical Digital Literacies, University of Wollongong
2016
PASS Evaluation Officer, University of Western Sydney
2015
Academic, University of Wollongong
2013 → 2016
Social Media and Web Assistant, University of Wollongong
2012 → 2014
Subject keywords
- science communication
- digital media
- fan studies
- communication
- television
- media
- space studies
- palaeomedia
- media ecology
Registered Supervisor
- Yes
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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From Apollo to the ISS: The televisual image in human spaceflight
Holland, T. A., Jan 2024, In: Television and New Media. 25, 1, p. 57-73 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus)157 Downloads (Pure) -
"My battery is low and it's getting dark": The Opportunity rover's collective persona
Holland, T., 17 Dec 2021, In: Persona Studies. 7, 1, p. 90-100 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Platform rhetoric and fan labour as the building blocks of LEGO ideas
Holland, T. & Wise, B., 27 Jun 2023, In: M/C Journal - A Journal of Media and Culture. 26, 3, p. 1-10 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile523 Downloads (Pure) -
Sexism in survival situations: Reconsidering gender in Jurassic Park
Holland, T. & Watt, L., 24 Nov 2022, Gender and action films 1980-2000: Beauty in motion. Gerrard, S. & Middlemost, R. (eds.). 1st ed. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing Limited, p. 123-136 14 p. (Emerald Studies in Popular Culture and Gender).Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paper › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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"You pass butter": The messages of media and technology in Rick and Morty
Holland, T., 2021, Unlocking social theory with popular culture: Remixing theoretical influencers. Barnes, N. & Bedford, A. (eds.). 1st ed. Cham, Switzerland: Springer, p. 147-162 16 p. (Critical Studies of Education; vol. 15).Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paper › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
Prizes
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Communication Research Output Acceleration Program
Holland, T. (Recipient), Kong, S. (Recipient), Truong, V. (Recipient), Mansourian, Y. (Recipient), Massaro, M. (Recipient) & Wise, D. (Recipient), Aug 2024
Prize: Grant › Successful
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Communication Research Output Acceleration Program
Wise, D. (Recipient), Holland, T. (Recipient) & Pitt, N. (Recipient), 2024
Prize: Award › Internal award
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Innovate Everywhere: Creative Innovation/Collaboration Hub
Orchard, C. (Recipient) & Holland, T. (Recipient), 20 Aug 2018
Prize: Grant › Successful
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Activities
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Persona Studies (Journal)
Holland, T. (Editor)
Jan 2025 → Dec 2025Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Editorial responsibility
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Journal of Creative Practice Research (Journal)
Holland, T. (Editor)
Dec 2024 → Dec 2026Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Editorial responsibility
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Persona Studies (Journal)
Holland, T. (Reviewer)
Feb 2024Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Peer review responsibility, including review panel or committee
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M/C Journal - A Journal of Media and Culture (Journal)
Holland, T. (Guest editor), O'Connor, M. (Guest editor) & Marshall, D. (Guest editor)
Apr 2024Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Peer review responsibility, including review panel or committee
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International Communication Association
Holland, T. (Participant)
20 Jun 2024 → 24 Jun 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Conference/Symposium › Academic
Press/Media
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The Simpsons
03/11/16 → 12/10/17
5 items of Media coverage, 1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
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Jurassic Park/Jurassic World
01/06/22 → 03/01/24
4 items of Media coverage, 2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Press / Media
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Course development, teaching, and pedagogy
27/10/17 → 02/08/19
2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Press / Media
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