Cynthia May
Professor of Psychology
Education
Ph.D., Duke University
B.A., Furman University
Research Interests
My research is aimed at understanding human cognition and finding ways to improve performance, especially for populations who may experience cognitive challenges (e.g., older adults, people with intellectual disabilities). I have broad interests in the factors that affect cognition, including circadian rhythms, emotion, curiosity, and educational settings. My recent work explores factors that affect people with Down syndrome and autism in health care, employment, and the legal system.
Courses Taught
- PSYC 103: Introduction to Psychological Science
- FYSE 132: Build a Better Life with Psychological Science
- HONS 163: Honors Introduction to Psychological Science
- PSYC 215: Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 373: Applied Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 374: Sins of Memory
- PSYC 468: Advanced Cognitive Psychology with Lab
Selected Publications
* denotes student collaborator
May, C. P., Whelpley, C., Moyer, L.*, Feingold, L.* (2025). How long does it last? The enduring benefits of neurodiversity training on hiring outcomes for adults with ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06751-w
May, C. P., Whelpley, C., & Kaup, R.* (2025). Changing outcomes for job candidates with autism spectrum disorder: The benefits of neurodiversity training and ASD disclosure. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06713-8
May, C. P., Hasher, L., & Healey, K. (2023). For whom (and when) the time bell tolls: chronotype and synchrony effects. Perspectives in Psychological Science.
May, C. (2023). A Planning Guide for New Inclusive Programs and Initiatives Serving College Students with Intellectual Disability. Think College Publication. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.
https://pihec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Planning-Guide.pdf
Whelpley, C., & May, C. P. (2022). Seeing is disliking: Evidence for bias against individuals with autism spectrum disorder in job interviews. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. doi.org: 10.1007/s10803-022-05432-2
May, C. P., Desplaces, D., & Wyman, D. (2021). Universal Design: A Problem-Based Exercise in a Fast-Paced Competitive Environment. Management Teaching Review. DOI: 10.1177/2379298121995177
May, C. P., Dein, A.*, & Ford, J. (2020). New insights into the formation and duration of flashbulb memories: Evidence from medical diagnosis memories. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 34(5), 1154-1165. DOI: 10.1002/acp.3704.
Plotner, A., & May, C. P. (2017). A comparison of the college experience for students with and without disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. DOI:
May, C. P., & Hasher, L. (2017). Synchrony affects performance for older but not younger neutral-type adults. Timing and Time Perception, 5, 129-148. DOI: