Dr. Travis Hand is a molecular biophysicist whose work has focused on protein production, purification, and biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from Florida State University and his B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Tyler. Before joining the faculty at FSU Panama City, he worked as a research scientist for the U.S. Navy, where he helped develop and scale up methods for producing recombinant hagfish thread proteins.
Dr. Hand teaches courses in general biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. His teaching emphasizes scientific reasoning, the connection between molecular mechanisms and biological outcomes, and the practical application of scientific concepts. He aims to help students develop a clear understanding of biology while also learning how scientists ask questions, evaluate evidence, and draw well-supported conclusions.
CURRICULUM VITAE
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Dedicated educator and research scientist with experience teaching undergraduate biology and biochemistry at Florida State University Panama City. Skilled in developing engaging, evidence-based instruction and mentoring students pursuing diverse academic and professional goals. Brings a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry, with a focus on making complex concepts accessible and relevant to real-world applications. Committed to FSU PC’s mission of providing a personalized, student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for biomedical and health-related careers.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Florida State University Panama City, Panama City, FL January 2022- May 2024
Adjunct Professor
o Taught General Biology I (lecture and laboratory), Introduction to Biology laboratory, and Biochemistry lecture to undergraduate students
o Designed and delivered lectures emphasizing conceptual understanding and application in various contexts
o Supervised laboratory curriculum, promoting hands-on learning and critical thinking
o Mentored students on study strategy, career planning, and research skill development
o Consistently received strong teaching evaluations for clarity, engagement, and accessibility
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL August 2015- December 2015
Graduate Teaching Assistant
o Co-lead Introduction to Biochemistry laboratory to undergraduate students; implemented structured inquiry experiments
o Provided individualized support during lab and office hours, reinforcing experimental design and data interpretation.
The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX August 2013-May 2014
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
o Assisted in instruction and lab preparation for Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry laboratory
o Supported hands-on demonstrations and reviewed lab safety, calculations, and technique
EDUCATION
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL December 2019
Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics
Overall GPA: 3.6
The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX May 2014
B.S. in Biology
Overall GPA: 3.8, Magna Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, FL January 2020- Present
Research Biochemist: Lead scientist for synthetic hagfish slime bioproduction, driving the transition from bench to industrial scale.
o Acted as primary scientific resource for large-scale production, including protein expression and purification.
o Built and managed strategic partnerships with industry and academia to support scale-up initiatives.
o Proposed and executed research projects aligned with evolving customer needs and strategic goals.
o Led collaborative experiments, analyzed complex biological data, and delivered actionable insights.
o Regularly delivered presentations, authored technical reports, and facilitated stakeholder briefings.
o Point of contact for hazardous materials and waste management; ensured compliance with all safety protocols.
o Multiple patents submitted; recognized with top performance reviews annually.
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL August 2014- December 2019
Graduate Research Assistant, Hong Li Lab, Institute of Molecular Biophysics: Focused on CRISPR-Cas enzyme characterization and directed evolution.
o Designed and executed molecular biology assays, protein purification, and structure-function studies.
o Led collaborations resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications and successful grant submissions.
o Mentored graduate and undergraduate students in lab techniques, data analysis, and presentation skills.
PUBLICATIONS
The classified nature of my work with the Navy precludes publishing in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at common
scientific conferences. Selected peer-reviewed articles below.
- Hand, T.H.; Roth, M.O.; Smith, C.L.; Shiel, E.A.; Li, H., A Catalytically Enhanced Type II-C Cas9 Through Directed Protein Evolution. CRISPR Journal 2021.
- Das, A.; Hand, T.H.; Smith, C.L.; Wickline, E.; Zawrotny, M.; Li, H., Crystal Structures of Acidothermus cellulolitcus Cas9 Reveal Its High Specificity for 5’-NNNCC-3’ PAM. Nature Communications 2020
- Hand, T. H.; Das, A, Li, H., Directed Evolution Studies of a Thermophilic Type II-C Cas9. Methods in Enzymology 2018.
- Hand, T. H.; Das, A.; Roth, M. O.; Smith, C. L.; Jean-Baptiste, U. L.; Li, H., Phosphate Lock Residues of Acidothermus cellulolyticus Cas9 Are Critical to Its Substrate Specificity. ACS Synth Biol 2018.
- Tsui, T. K. M.; Hand, T. H.; Duboy, E. C.; Li, H., The Impact of DNA Topology and Guide Length on Target Selection by a Cytosine-Specific Cas9. ACS Synth Biol 2017, 6 (6), 1103-1113.
- Wu, J.J.; Li, W.; Shao, Y.; Avey, D.; Fu, B.; Gillen, J.; Hand, T.H.; Ma, S.; Liu, X.; Miley, W.; Konrad, A.; Neipel, F.; Sturzl, M.; Whitby, D.; Li, H.; Zhu, F., Inhibition of cGAS DNA Sensing by a Herpesvirus Virion Protein. Cell Host \& Microbe 2015, 18 (3), 333--344.
PRESENTATIONS
- Hand, T., Li, H. (2018, May). Understanding how CRISPR-Cas9 controls DNA Specificity. Oral presentation at the 2018 FAME (Florida section of ACS) conference, Tampa, FL.
- Hand, T., Li, H. (2018, February). Solvent accessibility of CRISPR-Cas9 Target DNA is Correlated with Substrate Specificity. Poster presentation at the 62nd Annual Biophysical Society Conference, San Francisco, CA.
- Hand, T., Li, H. (2016, November). Biochemical characterization of a Cas9 Sensitive to Target Topology. Oral presentation at the 5th annual Zing Nucleic Acids Conference, St. Petersburg, FL.
- Hand, T., Fortenbury, N., Beckham, J., & Back, R. (2014, March). Drainage of a Cylindrical ferro-film in an external magnetic field. Poster presented at the annual American Chemical Society meeting, Dallas, TX.
SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS
On the Spot Bonus- Invention Award 2022
On the Spot Bonus- Individual Cash Award 2021
Civilian Service Achievement Medal 2021
Michael Kasha Student Publication Award 2019
Legacy Fellowship Award, FSU 2014- 2019
Multiple invited speaker engagements and academic achievement awards
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Naval Surface Warfare Center. Panama City, FL January 2023- Present
SMART Scholar Proposal Reviewer
o Read and rated 12-15 proposals each year in the biotechnology subject area; provided detailed feedback and justification
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL August 2015- December 2019
Research Mentorship
o Young Scholars Program (YSP) and Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) programs.
o Mentored students in lab safety, research methodology, and scientific communication.
o Supported student advancement to graduate, medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL August 2015-May 2018
Students for Effective Science Communication (SECS)
o Led initiatives to improve student presentation skills; organized speaker seminars and workshops.
KEY SKILLS
Scientific Communication
Molecular Biology
Protein Biochemistry
Laboratory Safety
Student Mentoring
Instructional Design
Relationship Building
Technical Writing