Alexandra L. Clark

Dr. Alexandra L. Clark is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts. She directs the Mechanisms Underlying Neurocognitive Aging Research Lab and is a faculty affiliate at the Center on Aging and Population Sciences. Her work focuses on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive aging, and neuropsychological mechanisms in racially/ethnically minoritized populations. Clark holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the San Diego State University/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program, with postdoctoral training in TBI rehabilitation and neuroimaging metrics for ADRD.

Her research employs neuroimaging, biofluid analysis, and community-engaged strategies to address disparities in Alzheimer’s detection and prevention. Major projects include the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD U-19) and Million Veteran Program. Key themes include the impact of TBI, vascular risk factors, and socioeconomic determinants on cognitive decline in marginalized groups.

Clark teaches courses on cognitive aging diversity (PSY 332U/341K) and has been continuously involved in teaching since 2021. While no specific awards are listed, her work emphasizes equity-driven science and large-scale data initiatives to improve understanding of biosocial mechanisms in aging.

Her lab's interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical, neuroimaging, and epidemiological methods to explore how structural/social determinants influence brain aging outcomes. Current studies examine the role of ethnic enclave effects, healthcare access, and metabolic syndrome in cognitive trajectories among minority populations.