Travis Shane Taylor, also known as "Doc" Taylor to his friends, is an accomplished American published author of fiction, residing in Harvest, Alabama. He has earned his nickname through his extensive education, which includes a Doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering, two Master's degrees in Physics and Aerospace Engineering, another Master's degree in Astronomy from the University of Western Sydney, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Alabama.
Dr. Taylor has worked for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past sixteen years, contributing to various programs. His current projects include advanced propulsion concepts, large space telescopes, space-based beamed energy systems, and next-generation space launch concepts. In addition, he is involved in multiple MASINT, SIGINT, IMINT, and HUMINT concept studies. He has published over 25 papers, including the appendix on solar sailing in the 2nd edition of Deep Space Probes by Greg Matloff. Dr. Taylor's first science fiction novel is "Warp Speed," and his second is "The Quantum Connection," both published by Baen Publishing. He is also working on two different series with best-selling author John Ringo, also by Baen Publishing.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Travis Shane Taylor is a Black Belt martial artist, a private pilot, a SCUBA diver, and a cyclist who competes in mountain and road biking races and triathlons. He is also the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of several hard rock bands. He currently lives with his wife Karen, his daughter Kalista Jade, two dogs named Stevie and Wesker, and his cat Kuro.