In addition to her studies, Lisamarie Trezza keeps busy by going to the gym, reading comics and watching movies.

Why did you choose the major you did?
At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition made it difficult for me to concentrate on tasks, stay seated and focus on my academics. I was helped by a team of doctors and my parents, who provided me with the right tools for treatment. Without their support, I don’t know where I would be today. I chose to major in psychology because I want to give people like myself a chance to take control over their diagnoses and improve their lives.

What professor, classroom experience or extracurricular activity at St. Francis College had the greatest impact on your success here?
Being able to complete two theses, under the supervision of Dr. SungHun Kim and Dr. Laura Egan, made a huge impact on my success as a student here. I had the opportunity to conduct research, which has provided me with the skills needed to conduct future research. In addition, being a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, allowed me, in March of 2022, the opportunity to present a poster of my undergraduate thesis at the Eastern Psychological Association conference.

What personal qualities allowed you to achieve at such a high level at SFC?
I am ambitious, responsible, creative and sociable. My ambition pushed me to be the very best I could be academically. Being responsible allowed me to complete all of my assignments in a timely manner. Being creative allowed me to conduct research and complete two different theses. Lastly, being sociable allowed me to develop friendships with some of my peers and to work well with others on different projects.

What did it mean to you to attend college in New York City?
Being that I was born and raised in New York City, I never wanted to leave home for college. New York City offers many opportunities for those interested in psychology; it made the most sense for me to stay here.

What’s next for you?
After graduating, I plan on working full-time as a clinical research assistant to gain more experience in clinical work, before applying to Ph.D. programs in clinical neuropsychology. My dream is to practice as a clinical neuropsychologist and specialize in working with those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.