معرفی
Dr. Luke Clark is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Director of the Centre for Gambling Research. He holds a PhD from Oxford University (2000) and has dedicated his career to understanding gambling behavior, disordered gambling, and the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying these phenomena. His research focuses on three core areas: the psychological features of gambling products and their relationship to harms, biological/psychological vulnerabilities to addiction, and leveraging behavioral data from online platforms to identify at-risk individuals. He serves as Assistant Editor for Addiction and International Gambling Studies.
Education:
- PhD in Psychology, University of Oxford, 2000
Research Interests:
Dr. Clark investigates cognitive distortions (e.g., illusion of control), neurobiological underpinnings of decision-making, and the application of machine learning to gambling data. His work bridges laboratory studies and real-world behavioral analysis, emphasizing translational research to inform policy and prevention strategies.
Key Contributions:
He co-founded UBC’s Centre for Gambling Research (2014), funded by the BC government and lottery corporation. His research has advanced understanding of slot machine design’s impact on engagement, the role of dopamine in gambling addiction, and the transition from video game loot boxes to gambling. Recent studies include analyzing behavioral substitution during casino closures and developing pictograms to help users identify addictive gambling products.
Awards:
- UBC Killam Research Prize (2020)
- Scientific Achievement Award from the National Center for Responsible Gambling (2015)
Teaching & Mentorship:
Dr. Clark teaches PSYC 101 (Biological and Cognitive Psychology) and oversees graduate training. While currently not accepting new students, he has mentored researchers exploring gambling’s neural mechanisms and policy implications.
Grants & Collaborations:
His work is supported by grants from Canadian health agencies and international collaborations. The Centre for Gambling Research partners with governments and industry to address gambling-related harm.
Labs & Teams:
He leads the Centre for Gambling Research, a multidisciplinary team analyzing gambling’s societal impact. Collaborations include studies with neuroscientists, data scientists, and policymakers to translate research into actionable insights.
