Luke R. Potwarka

Luke R. Potwarka is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. He directs the Spectator Experience and Technology Laboratory (SEAT), focusing on consumer behavior in sport events and their community impacts.

Education: BA (University of Waterloo), MA (Brock University), PhD (University of Waterloo).

Research explores two main themes: (1) elite-sport events' role in promoting physical activity participation, and (2) commercial/tourism responses to such events. Methodologies draw from social psychology and geography to inform event management practices.

Teaching includes courses like Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (REC 101), Sociology of Sport (REC 203/SOC 210), and Event Studies (REC 219). He supervises graduate students in consumer behavior, sport management, and marketing.

Labs/Teams: Leads the SEAT Lab investigating spectator experiences and technology applications in event settings.