AT A GLANCE
Name:
Travis A. Davis
What he speaks about:
How hands-on, rural, and vocational work is the foundation of engineering and aerospace careers, and how to open that path for the next generation.
Signature Keynote:
Where I'm From Is Why I'm Here: The Straight Line from Ranch Work to Rocket Science
Credentials:
NASA & Blue Origin Propulsion Engineer · George J. Mitchell Scholar · Patents in Aerospace and Medical Devices · Co-Author, Ranch Kid to Rocket Scientist
Based in:
Black Hills, South Dakota (travels nationally and internationally; virtually available)
Booking:
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Three lengths. Use whichever fits your program, website, or run-of-show. All are cleared for reprint.
Short (≈40 words | event app/social)
Travis Davis went from fixing fence on a South Dakota ranch to testing rocket engines for NASA and Blue Origin. A Mitchell Scholar, patented engineer, and author, he shows audiences that the hands-on work they already do is the start of a career in engineering.
Medium (≈90 words | program/intro slide)
Travis Davis grew up on a ranch near Camp Crook, South Dakota, where welding, hydraulics, and 4-H projects were everyday life, long before anyone called it engineering. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota Mines, was named a George J. Mitchell Scholar, and completed a biomedical engineering degree at Trinity College Dublin. He went on to design and test rocket engines at NASA and Blue Origin, hold patents in aerospace and medical devices, and co-author Ranch Kid to Rocket Scientist. He speaks to help the next generation see the same path.
Long (≈180 words | website/press)
Travis Davis is a NASA and Blue Origin propulsion engineer, patented inventor, and author who speaks about the straight line from hands-on rural work to a career in engineering.
He grew up on a ranch near Camp Crook, South Dakota, where the daily curriculum was welding, hydraulics, structural loads, 4-H projects, and fixing whatever broke. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, interning at John Deere, Caterpillar, and NASA along the way, and was selected as a George J. Mitchell Scholar, one of roughly a dozen chosen each year nationally, to earn a biomedical engineering degree at Trinity College Dublin.
At NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center he designed and tested rocket engine components and earned a patent in propulsion. At Blue Origin, he led engine testing at the historic Test Stand 4670. In Dublin, he co-founded Starling Surgical, raising over €1 million and patenting a surgical device. He co-authored Ranch Kid to Rocket Scientist with his wife, Amanda, a NASA-certified payload operations controller. He lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
SPEAKER INTRODUCTIONS (read from the stage)
Hand these to your emcee. Pick the length that fits.
15-second intro
"Our speaker went from fixing fence on a South Dakota ranch to testing rocket engines for NASA and Blue Origin, and he's here to show us that the work we already do with our hands is the start of something bigger. Please welcome Travis Davis."
30-second intro
"Our next speaker grew up on a ranch 40 miles from the nearest hardware store, where he learned to weld, fix engines, and rebuild whatever broke. He didn't know it yet, but that was engineering. Travis Davis went on to become a Mitchell Scholar, design and test rocket engines for NASA and Blue Origin, earn patents in two industries, and write a book to help the next generation see the path he almost missed. He's here to show us that hard work was rocket science all along. Please welcome Travis Davis."
TALK TOPICS
Formats: Keynote (45–60 min), workshop/breakout, fireside chat/Q&A, school assembly, virtual. Travis tailors length and depth to your program.
Where I'm From Is Why I'm Here (signature)
Hands-on rural work as the foundation of an engineering career. Best for schools, FFA/4-H, homeschool, rural workforce, and STEM audiences.
Lessons from the Test Stand
Decision-making, risk, and leadership under pressure, from running rocket engine tests. Best for corporate, technical, and leadership audiences.
From NASA Engineer to Medtech Founder
Carrying engineering rigor into a startup. Best for entrepreneurship, university, and innovation audiences.
Custom
Built to the event's theme and audience.
AUDIOVISUAL & TECH NEEDS
Standard rider: Travis is low-maintenance and adapts to your setup. Confirm specifics during planning.
Audio
Wireless lavalier (lapel) or over-ear headset mic preferred; handheld as backup
For school gyms / large rooms: house PA with a sound check beforehand
Visual/Projection
Projector or large screen with HDMI; 16:9 slides
Travis brings his own laptop; confirm HDMI/USB-C adapter needs
Slides provided in advance on request; a confidence monitor is nice but not required
Stage/Room
Ability to move (handheld or headset, not a fixed podium mic), Travis works the room
For youth events: room to bring a volunteer or prop on stage
Water at the lectern
Recording
Travis welcomes recording/photography and encourages it. If the audience will be filmed, please handle any required consent on your end. Travis is glad to receive a copy of the footage for his speaker reel.
Travel
Traveling from Rapid City, SD (RAP). Travel, lodging, and food per agreement. Virtual delivery available with a stable connection and the A/V above on the audience end.
Logos, Headshots & Branding
PROMOTING THE EVENT
Tag/link:
Suggested hashtag:
#RanchKidToRocketScientist
Sample promo line:
"Join us for [event]: NASA & Blue Origin engineer Travis Davis on how the hands-on work you already do is the start of an engineering career."
BOOKING & CONTACT
Check Availability
You'll hear back from Travis directly.
No agency, usually within a few business days.