Magdalena Mai Malesky (She/Her)

Student, Duke University
  • People
  • United States of America

About Magdalena Mai Malesky

Hi! My name is Mai Malesky, and I am a rising second-year student from Durham, NC, planning to double-major in Political Science and Economics. I am passionate about the interdisciplinary field of Behavioral Sciences, especially its capacity to explore why voters become apathetic, how authoritarian regimes emerge, and how disenfranchised citizens can resist political exploitation. My commitment to public service and civic engagement is inspired by my experience working with grassroots organizations in my local community. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand the power of grassroots action to create change. I am excited to be a part of the Laidlaw Scholars Program and to join fellow students devoted to ethical leadership and service, working to make a difference on a local, national, and global scale.

I am a/an:

Undergraduate Leadership & Research Scholar

University

Duke University

Laidlaw Cohort Year

2026

Research Topic

Behavioural Studies Development Studies Economics Education International Relations Multiculturalism Politics Regional & Area Studies Society & Culture Sociology South East Asian Studies Spanish Studies Statistics

Area of Expertise

Economics Politics Social Sciences

I am from:

United States of America

I speak:

English Spanish Vietnamese

My hobbies/interests are:

Art Cooking/Baking Film & TV Football (soccer) Foreign languages Gym Hiking/walking Outdoor sports Photography Podcasts Politics & current events Reading Running/jogging Skiing Spirituality Travelling Video/filmmaking Volunteering Writing/blogging