Travis Howell’s research primarily focuses on founders; namely, how to build and sustain a good founding team, how founders maintain control as their firms grow, and when it is best to go solo rather than find co-founders. Some of his recent work also addresses the increasing popularity of coworking spaces, where communities of founders interact with and learn from one another. His research has been funded by the Kauffman Foundation, the Strategy Research Foundation, and the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. 

Before coming to the UCI Paul Merage School of Business, Howell worked as a consultant at PwC focusing on the valuation of intangible assets (technology, customer relationships, trademarks, etc.). He also worked at two startups: IMSAR, a startup developing advanced radar technology, and Seasons, an attempt at re-inventing the grocery store. These experiences influence both his research and teaching.