Psychology

Education

• Ph.D., Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara
• M.A., Psychology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
• B.A., Psychology, University of North Florida

Research

Dr. Chak’s research is centered around better understanding cognitive control, the process that dictates how previous experiences and internal goals interact with the external world to guide behavior.

Courses taught

• Research Methods
• Human Cognition
• Individual Differences in Cognition

Biography

Carly Chak, a Tampa native, has returned to the Tampa Bay area to join the faculty at Eckerd. Growing up boating in Boca Ciega Bay, Carly later attended USF St. Petersburg for her Master’s to study the influence of reward on visual attention. She thoroughly enjoyed pursuing her academic interests within cognitive psychology in Massachusetts and while earning her doctorate in California, but couldn’t wait to return to her roots and contribute to the community that helped shape her. Carly has a background in studying visual attention and working memory, specifically how people prioritize attention and how that modulates the contents of working memory. She is excited to launch a lab dedicated to investigating the mechanisms underlying cognitive control, and how cognitive control differs across individuals and the lifespan. Outside of Eckerd, you might find Carly hunting down a great sunset view or some live music, playing board games, or cuddling with her mutt, Lana.