Dr. Hodges is interested in examining sex-specific the involvement of neuronal activation and networks, inflammation, neurogenesis, and gut microbiota in negative cognitive bias, a main symptom of depression, across development. To achieve this, he uses a rat model of depressive-like behavior which involves chronic exposures to stress. Because the display of negative cognitive bias can be sex and age-specific, he uses different methods to examine this depressive symptom and will examine sex and age-specificity in treatment outcomes. Travis is also devoted to mentorship and providing a safe environment for trainees to enjoy science.