Dr. Raphael Travis Jr.

Dr. Raphael Travis Jr., LCSW – Professor, at Texas State University, School of Social Work; Lab Director/PI: Collaborative Research for Education, Art, and Therapeutic Engagement (CREATE Research Lab); Founder and Executive Director, FlowStory, PLLC (Austin, TX).

Dr. Raphael Travis Jr. is a Professor at Texas State University in the School of Social Work. His research, practice and consultancy work emphasizes healthy development over the life-course, resilience, and civic engagement. He also investigates creative arts, especially Hip-Hop culture, as a source of health and well-being for individuals and communities. He is author of the book “The Healing Power of Hip Hop” and co-editor of the recently published book “Music for Inclusion and Healing in Schools and Beyond.” His latest research, linking arts engagement and well-being, appears in a variety of academic journals and book chapters.

The Collaborative Research for Education, Art, and Therapeutic Engagement (CREATE) Lab, at Texas State University (San Marcos, TX, USA) led by Dr. Travis, partners with researchers, educators, artists, and community-based organizations focused on better understanding the educational, health, and therapeutic benefits of music and art engagement. The CREATE Lab has multiple active research projects including studies that build upon the lab’s on-campus music studio. The studio, complete with professional quality music technology, hardware and software, makes constructing, recording, remixing, and other ways of engaging music possible.

Raphael is also the founder and Executive Director of FlowStory, PLLC, blending social work and public health expertise to help guide applied research driven mental health and health promotion strategies. FlowStory promotes the empowering aspects of Hip Hop culture as a critical tool for learning, growth, and well-being across all ages, but especially with youth in family, education, therapy, afterschool, and summer program settings.

Contact Information & Resources: