About

Andrew M. Clark, PhD, is a faculty member at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, primarily within the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. His research focuses on the functional organization of neural pathways in the visual cortex, aiming to understand how visual stimuli are encoded within cortical networks and how these representations guide behavior. His work involves studying distributed representations within visual cortical circuits and exploring the relationship between neural signals, subjective appearance, and behavioral significance of visual stimuli. To achieve this, he combines large-scale recordings of cortical activity patterns, carefully designed stimuli and behavioral tasks, and novel methods for selectively manipulating circuit elements. Dr. Clark received his PhD from the University of Chicago, where he studied neural mechanisms of visual motion perception. His postdoctoral work at the National Institute of Mental Health examined the role of long-range projections linking the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe in visually guided behavior. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the John A. Moran Eye Center, during which he helped develop a novel optogenetic method for investigating cortical circuits, he joined the faculty as a Research Assistant Professor in July 2023. His research aims to deepen understanding of neural circuits involved in visual processing and behavior, utilizing advanced techniques such as optogenetics and large-scale cortical recordings.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Anesthesia
• Internal medicine
• Virology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Evolutionary biology
• Intensive care medicine
• Genetics
• Pathology
• Biology

Selected publications

• Reducing Stress After Trauma in Physically Injured Children

  JAMA Pediatrics · 2026-04-27

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) affect nearly 50% of children experiencing physical trauma. PTSS often persists after physical recovery and is associated with reduced health-related quality of life. Objective: To evaluate efficacy of the online therapist-assisted, trauma-focused Reducing Stress After Trauma (ReSeT) program in reducing PTSS in children after hospitalization for physical injury. Design, Setting, and Participants: A 2-arm randomized clinical trial with 1:1 assignment to the ReSeT program or usual care (UC) was conducted between 2021 and 2024 at 4 sites with level 1 trauma centers. Injured children ages 8 to 17 years were recruited from inpatient and short-stay units. Exclusion criteria included moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, preexisting severe psychiatric problems, current psychotherapy, developmental disorders preventing participation, interpersonal violence, hospitalization for more than 30 days, and injury-related death of friend or family. Intervention: The ReSeT program has 8 online psychoeducational modules containing 3 to 4 short interactive videos that children completed independently. Modules are followed by an electronic health session with a therapist to practice cognitive behavioral skills and desensitization using trauma narrative techniques. Parents received optional psychoeducational resources. Main Outcomes and Measures: Generalized linear regression, controlling for baseline scores, was used to examine group differences on the Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CPSS) scores obtained 10 weeks (primary outcome) and 6 months (secondary outcome) after randomization. Results: A total of 638 of 722 children screened positive at 1 week, and 271 children and caregivers completed the CPSS at 4 weeks. The highest value from each respondent on each item was summed, and 130 children (48%) had CPSS scores of 11 or greater, indicating potential eligibility for enrollment. A total of 93 children (72%; mean [SD] age, 11.7 [2.4] years; 56 male [60.2%]) were included in the study; 47 were randomized to the ReSeT cohort and 46 were randomized to the UC cohort. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significant reduction in combined CPSS scores in the ReSeT vs UC cohorts, -4.2 points (95% CI, -7.6 to -0.8 points) at 10 weeks, which was maintained at the 6-month follow-up, -5.5 points (95% CI, -8.9 to -2.1 points). Conclusions and Relevance: Findings of this randomized clinical trial show that the ReSeT program was an effective, brief, trauma-focused intervention for reducing PTSS after physical injury. It offers a potentially cost-effective, scalable program to address American College of Surgeons standards for psychological screening and treatment for children sustaining PTSS. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04838977.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• “It’s a Godsend”: Parental experiences of genomic testing for paediatric inborn errors of immunity

  European Journal of Human Genetics · 2025-07-29 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Genomic testing has become essential to diagnosing and managing paediatric inborn errors of immunity (IEI), necessitating the development of mainstream models of care to facilitate optimal delivery of testing. However, little is known about the experiences of families undergoing paediatric IEI genomic testing within mainstream settings and parental experiences with such conditions remain underexplored. Thus, this study aimed to describe the experiences of parents of children who underwent mainstreamed IEI genomic testing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents (14 mothers and 3 fathers) of children with an IEI and thematically analysed. Six themes captured (i) the diverse dimensions of distress related to paediatric IEI, (ii) the associated social, practical and financial implications, (iii) the involvement of children in their care, (iv) parental satisfaction with mainstreamed genomic testing, (v) the value of multidisciplinary care, and (vi) considerations surrounding genomic testing decision-making. Findings highlight the significant psychosocial impacts of paediatric IEI, including distinct social and emotional challenges. High satisfaction with mainstreamed IEI genomic testing was reported by all parents. Recommendations for improvement include developing tailored resources to address families ongoing psychoeducational needs, enhancing mental health support, and involving children appropriately. Collectively, these findings substantiate the benefits of mainstreamed IEI genomic testing, while expanding literature on the psychosocial impact of such paediatric conditions. Further exploration of families and children's needs and development of tailored resources are essential to ensure the delivery of patient-centred care.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• “It’s a Godsend”: Parental Experiences of Genomic Testing for Paediatric Inborn Errors of Immunity

  Research Square · 2025-06-09

  preprintOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Trajectory of Post-Traumatic Stress During the First Year after Pediatric Traumatic Brain or Orthopedic Injury

  Journal of Neurotrauma · 2025-04-22 · 3 citations

  article

  Up to 50% of children sustaining physical injury develop post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Most studies of PTSS have not included patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI); consequently, the influence of injury type and severity on the longitudinal course of PTSS is unclear. To address this gap, we completed a longitudinal prospective cohort study examining the trajectory of self-reported PTSS severity during the first year after TBI or orthopedic injury (OI). Within a biopsychosocial framework, we examined PTSS in relation to injury variables, demographic characteristics, and pre-injury child and family functioning. Patients ages 9-15 years with TBI or OI were recruited from two level I pediatric trauma centers. Online surveys were completed as soon as possible following injury (mdn = 8 days). Caregivers rated pre-injury family, sociodemographic, and child characteristics. Follow-up surveys assessing children's self-reported PTSS using the Children's PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) were scheduled 3,6, and 12 months after injury. English-speaking families completed surveys either online or by telephone interview; Spanish-speaking families were interviewed. Baseline surveys were completed by 303 families; 265 (87%) completed at least 1 follow-up and comprised the cohort. General linear mixed models examined the influence of injury group and severity, age, sex, and time of assessment on CPSS scores. Pre-injury estimates of child and family functioning were examined as predictors in supplemental models. Participants (72% boys, mean [SD] age 12.7 [1.9] years) included 204 with TBI (76 mild, 82 complicated-mild/moderate, 46 severe) and 61 with OI. Relative to OI, patients with TBI had significantly elevated mean CPSS scores at 3 (3.7 points, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.1, 6.3); 6 (3.2, 95% CI: 0.7, 5.7) and 12 months (2.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 4.5). The primary model indicated that TBI severity had a nonlinear relation with CPSS. Mild TBI (mTBI) had the highest mean scores; with significant differences relative to OI at 3 (4.6 points, 95% CI: 1.6, 7.6); 6 (5.7, 95% CI: 2.7, 8.6) and 12 months (3.2, 95% CI: 0.6, 5.8). This model also revealed that adolescent females had higher CPSS scores than children or adolescent males. Differences relative to younger males at 6 and 12 months were 4.9 (95% CI: 1.6, 8.3) and 5.0 points (95% CI: 2.1, 8.0). In supplemental models, higher symptom burden was associated with poorer baseline family functioning and with higher levels of children's pre-injury anxiety, affective problems, and conduct problems. PTSS persisted for a significant minority of patients with TBI across the first year of recovery, particularly those with mTBI. Screening should emphasize risk factors to target patients with the greatest need for trauma-focused intervention. Cost-effective, scalable, evidence-based trauma-focused interventions are essential to meet American College of Surgeons standards to provide psychological screening and treatment to children sustaining PTSS.

  PublisherDOI

• The effects of ultra-selective beta1-antagonism on the metabolic and cytokine profile in septic shock patients receiving noradrenaline: a sub-investigation from the STRESS-L Randomised Study

  Intensive Care Medicine Experimental · 2025-01-22 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: The landiolol and organ failure in patients with septic shock (STRESS-L study) included a pre-planned sub-study to assess the effect of landiolol treatment on inflammatory and metabolomic markers. METHODS: Samples collected from 91 patients randomised to STRESS-L were profiled for immune and metabolomic markers. A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured through commercially acquired multiplex Luminex assays and statistically analysed by individual and cluster-level analysis (patient). Metabolite fingerprinting was carried out by flow infusion electrospray ionisation high-resolution mass spectrometry and metabolomic data were analysed using the R-based platform MetaboAnalyst. The metabolites were identified using DIMEdb (dimedb.ibers.aber.ac.uk) from their mass/charge ratios. These metabolomic data were also re-analysed using individual and cluster-level analysis. The individual-level models were adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, noradrenaline dosage and patient (random effect). RESULTS: Analysis was undertaken at cluster- and individual-level. There were no significant differences in cytokine concentration level between trial arms nor survivors and non-survivors over the duration of the observations from day 1 to day 4. Metabolomic analysis showed some separation in the levels of ceramides and cardiolipins between those who survived and those who died. Following adjusted analysis for confounders, plasma metabolite concentrations remained statistically different between landiolol and standard care arms for succinic acid, L-tryptophan, L-alanine, 2,2,2-trichloroethanol, lactic acid and D-glucose. CONCLUSIONS: In a study of ICU patients with established septic shock and a tachycardia, landiolol treatment used to reduce the heart rate from above 95 to a range between 80 and 94 beats per minute did not induce significant cytokine changes. D-Glucose, lactic acid, succinic acid, L-alanine, L-tryptophan and trichloroethanol were pathways that may merit further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EU Clinical Trials Register Eudra CT: 2017-001785-14 ( https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2017-001785-14/GB ); ISRCTN registry Identifier: ISRCTN12600919 ( https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12600919 ).

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• A Theory-Informed Approach to Delivering Genomic Testing for Paediatric Inborn Errors of Immunity

  Journal of Human Immunity · 2025-11-26

  articleOpen access

  Introduction Genomic testing is essential to diagnosing and treating paediatric inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). A model-of-care (MoC) was established at the Queensland Children’s Hospital to support the delivery of IEI genomic testing. While the MoC has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among clinicians and families, challenges remain in integrating testing into routine practice. Aim Assess key challenges to implementing paediatric IEI genomic testing into routine care via i) process mapping with healthcare providers and ii) auditing state-wide genomic testing practices. Method Process-mapping semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (n = 16) involved in facilitating paediatric IEI genomic testing (i.e., immunologists, nurses, laboratory staff, and genetic counsellors). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, analysed via content analysis, and mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). All instances of paediatric IEI genomic testing since 2017 were audited to capture state-wide testing practices (e.g., test modality, diagnostic rate, test documentation) and mapped to CFIR. Results Significant variation in genomic testing practices was identified among providers. Improvement areas were primarily related to the outer setting and individual characteristics of CFIR, including the need to reorganise the immunogenetics team meetings, strengthen communication between clinical and laboratory staff, and implement effective processes for tracking genomic testing. Audit data revealed 441 instances of IEI genomic testing among 291 patients. While the MoC significantly improved patient identification for genomic testing, test documentation (e.g., consent, results), and result interpretation, areas for improvement were noted that related to all aspects of CFIR (e.g., development of family-friendly resources, improved genomics education for providers). Conclusions The MoC improved paediatric IEI genomic testing practices. The application of implementation science methodology provides a robust approach to identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery. Findings will guide the development of targeted strategies to address identified areas for improvement and co-design resources for providers and families.

  PublisherDOI

• Performance Study on Modified Asphalt Cement Using Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) as a Polymer Modifier

  Journal of Smart Science and Technology · 2025-09-30

  articleOpen access

  Asphalt binders play a crucial role in pavement performance by providing the necessary viscoelastic properties to withstand traffic loads and environmental stressors. This study investigates the rheological characteristics of Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) blended with penetration grade (PEN 60/70 and PEN 160/220) binders to assess suitability for road applications. Using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test, this study evaluates efforts on varying TLA concentrations as influencing key parameters such as complex shear modulus and phase angle across different temperatures and frequencies. The results demonstrate that increasing TLA content enhances rutting resistance by increasing stiffness, but it also impacts fatigue resistance. These findings contribute to the optimisation of asphalt formulations for improved pavement performance under diverse traffic and climatic conditions.

  PublisherDOI

• An exploration of healthcare providers’ learning needs and strategies for engagement in Polygenic Risk education

  medRxiv · 2025-07-18

  preprintOpen access1st author

  Abstract Polygenic risk scores (PRS) provide an estimate of the genetic contribution to health conditions. Despite increasing clinical translation, healthcare providers (HPs) report a lack of PRS knowledge, representing a major barrier to safe and effective use in practice. This study aimed to i) identify HPs’ learning and resource needs for PRS delivery, and ii) outline strategies to best engage clinicians in PRS education, with findings used to inform the co-design of an educational program. To ensure informed responses, genetic healthcare providers with prior experience using PRS, and/or who had completed PRS education were recruited to participate in focus groups (n=30). Recordings were transcribed and content analysis conducted with themes mapped to the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation model for Behavior change (COM-B) to identify strategies to engage providers in PRS education. Among this cohort of experienced providers, residual PRS-related knowledge, skills and implementation gaps were frequently noted. Two themes encompassed PRS learning and resource needs: i) PRS specific knowledge base including fundamental principles, understanding clinical guidelines and test limitations, and ii) communication skills needed to discuss results and facilitate risk management and health behavior changes. Themes mapped to capability included access to training and time-poorness as a primary barrier. Limited awareness of educational initiatives, including practice resources and position statements from professional bodies, was noted. Opportunities comprised of building on existing workplace training and activities such as multidisciplinary team meetings and journal clubs. All participants noted that motivation for completing PRS training was primarily driven by a desire to improve patient-centered care and clinical outcomes. Findings highlight the complexity of PRS education and priority learning areas and will be used to inform the development of tailored PRS education for HPs to support implementation of PRS into clinical research and practice.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain

  JAMA · 2025-07-23 · 17 citations

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills training interventions are recommended first-line nonpharmacologic treatment for chronic pain, yet they are not widely accessible. Objective: To examine effectiveness of remote, scalable CBT-based chronic pain (CBT-CP) treatments (telehealth and self-completed online) for individuals with high-impact chronic pain, compared with usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants: This comparative effectiveness, 3-group, phase 3 randomized clinical trial enrolled 2331 eligible patients with high-impact chronic musculoskeletal pain from 4 geographically diverse health care systems in the US from January 2021 through February 2023. Follow-up concluded in April 2024. Interventions: Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to 1 of 2 remote, 8-session, CBT-based skills training treatments: health coach-led via telephone/videoconferencing (health coach; n = 778) or online self-completed program (painTRAINER; n = 776); or to usual care plus a resource guide (n = 777). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was attaining or exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in pain severity score (≥30% decrease; score range, 0-10) on the 11-item Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form from baseline to 3 months; 6 and 12 months from baseline were secondary time points. Secondary outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months included pain intensity, pain-related interference, PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) social role and physical functioning; and patient global impression of change. Results: Among 2331 eligible randomized individuals (mean age, 58.8 [SD, 14.3] years; 1712 [74%] women; 1030 [44%] rural/medically underserved), 2210 (94.8%) completed the trial. At 3 months, the adjusted percentage of participants achieving 30% or greater decrease in pain severity score was 32.0 (95% CI, 29.3-35.0) in the health coach group, 26.6 (95% CI, 23.4-30.2) in the painTRAINER group, and 20.8 (95% CI, 18.0-24.0) in the usual care group. Both intervention groups were significantly more likely to attain an MCID in pain severity compared with control (health coach vs usual care: relative risk [RR], 1.54 [95% CI, 1.30-1.82]; painTRAINER vs usual care: RR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.06-1.55]), and the health coach program was more effective than the online self-completed painTRAINER program (health coach vs painTRAINER: RR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.03-1.40]). Statistically significant benefits were observed for both intervention groups vs usual care at 6 and 12 months after randomization for the pain severity outcomes and for other secondary pain and functioning outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: Remote, scalable CBT-CP treatments (delivered either via telehealth or self-completed modules online) resulted in modest improvements in pain and related functional/quality-of-life outcomes compared with usual care among individuals with high-impact chronic pain. These lower-resource CBT-CP treatments could improve availability of evidence-based nonpharmacologic pain treatments within health care systems. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04523714.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• <i>Notes from the Field</i>: Surveillance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children — United States, 2023

  MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report · 2024-03-14 · 34 citations

  articleOpen access

  Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition typically occurring 2-6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection and characterized by fever and multiorgan involvement (1,2).In May 2020, CDC created an MIS-C case definition and established a passive national surveillance system for voluntary case reporting by state and local health departments.*In 2022, CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) created a new surveillance case definition that went into effect on January 1, 2023 (3).Approximately 87% of cases reported using the 2020 case definition also meet the 2023 case definition.This report describes 2023 MIS-C cases and compares them with cases reported earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Frank W. Moler

  University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

  44 shared

• John Berger

  Children's National

  37 shared

• Jay B. Dean

  University of South Florida

  36 shared

• Alexis A. Topjian

  33 shared

• Charles L. Schleien

  Cohen Children's Medical Center

  32 shared

• Richard Holubkov

  University of Utah

  26 shared

• Charlie Casper

  University of Utah

  25 shared

• Daniel F. McAuley

  Queen's University Belfast

  25 shared

Labs

• Andrew M. Clark LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Neural mechanisms of visual motion perception

  University of Chicago

• Other, Role of long-range projections linking the prefrontal cortex and the medial temporal lobe in visually guided behavior

  National Institute of Mental Health

• Other, Optogenetic investigation of cortical circuits

  John A. Moran Eye Center