Readers of earlier College of Arts and Sciences publications might remember meeting Maliea May. Her story epitomizes the essence, commitment, and quality of a Lawrence Technological University student. She came to LTU from her home country of Canada to play soccer and to learn to become a clinical psychologist. Playing soccer for four years and running track in her senior year for the Blue Devils, she’s fulfilled that goal. What’s more, she’ll graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology. Goal number two? Check!
Carrying a challenging academic load these last few semesters, May said, “I knew it would be tough, but my goal was to graduate this spring, and I’m doing it!”
May has interned for Franco Delogu, Ph.D., for most of her time at LTU, conducting research on eye movements related to attention and perception. Fixed and mobile eye trackers have allowed them to study how people visually perceive things and where their attention goes. “This eye movement research is only getting bigger and is teaching us so much about perception and attention,” she explained.
This “side project” has now become the subject of her senior project. “I’m currently developing and co-authoring a scientific paper about our research, ultimately to get it published,” May said.
“LTU has given me so many opportunities,” May continued. “I got to go to Rome last September through a grant that Dr. Delogu received! I presented at the 2024 International Conference on Spatial Cognition as the youngest attendee and youngest presenter.
“Dr. Delogu is a big name in that environment. It was amazing to see how eye tracking research, which started in Italy as a straight behavioral study, has advanced so much.”
May is hoping to stay connected internationally.
Which brings us to her latest accomplishment. On November 21, May received the 2024-2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Contribution to International Education Award. LTU’s Office of International Programs recognizes international students for exceptional dedication and leadership in a variety of ways: tutoring and mentoring peers, creating inclusive spaces for international students, and sharing their unique cultural perspectives with the LTU community. They have excelled as leaders on their sports teams, participated in conferences with global leaders and policymakers, and have made lasting contributions by enriching the international education experience at LTU.
In introducing May, Delogu cited her significant strides in elevating LTU’s name and reputation on the global stage: lead author of a collaborative study with two European institutions, presenter at the Rome scientific conference, and leadership roles on the women’s soccer and track teams. He said, “Her journey is a powerful testament to the invaluable contributions international students make to the academic success, visibility, and global growth of our institution.”
May will head home after graduation to Ajax, Ontario, to pursue her Master of Arts in Counseling in 2026. What’s her next goal? Child and adolescent psychologist focusing on and advocating for Black youth ages 12 to 25. And yes, she’ll still have eligibility to run track, play soccer, or do both for her new school.
