Grad Student Profile: Joseph Flesch

Starting Strong: First-Year Graduate Students Share Their Semester Highlights

December 3, 2024 Gregory Hedgepeth 4-min. read

Joseph Flesch Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology

What does being an NC State graduate student mean to you?
I am honored to be a graduate student at NC State. North Carolina is home to me, and I am so thankful to have built a network of friends and scholars in this state. I take pride in joining others and representing the best public institutions this state (and country) has to offer in both UNC and now NC State. I am eager to give back to and support the same communities that helped educate me once I graduate.

First-year Ph.D. student Joseph Flesch talks about his first semester experience here at NC State.

Tell us about your research
The moment I knew I wanted to apply for graduate school and continue my education was towards the end of my 2nd year of undergraduate study when I found the McNair Scholars Program. I was unsure of what I wanted to do in research, but my McNair Advisor helped connect me into a research lab with large datasets and allowed me to explore novel research in the intersection of social media and psychology.

Getting a first feeling of investigating a question that interested me, then later on presenting those results at a research conference made me realize that this was the space I wanted to be in. I want to continue studying the benefits of peer relationships and how students thrive inside and outside of the classroom, which led me to the field of School Psychology.

I’ve grown up in North Carolina most of my life, and seeing that NC State has one of the best School Psychology programs in the country cemented NC State as my top choice during the application process. I am extremely happy I was considered and ultimately accepted!

How has your semester been thus far and is graduate school what you expected?
This semester, academically, has been challenging but very rewarding. I knew graduate school would be more challenging, but my professors, classmates, and my mentor have made this transition a lot more enjoyable and exciting. So far, we have learned the importance of intelligence and academic testing for special education services, how to administer these tests with lots of practice volunteers, and even enjoyed learning and understanding more about statistics (crazy, right?).

What has been one of your favorite moments as a graduate student so far, and what are you looking forward to next semester?
This fall, one of my favorite moments has been commuting to a local school with my colleague to practice our achievement tests with two sweet and bright children. Seeing them enjoy the process and wanting to talk with us more about their lives and friends brought us lots of joy, and I cherish this memory as I caught a glimpse of what my future career could look like. Next semester and the years ahead will, of course, have new challenges for me, but I feel prepared and ready for new responsibilities, and I want to continue seeing growth in myself and my community.

How has the Graduate School and/or NC State helped you with your professional development?
I believe that my classes and having practice in the Psychoeducational Clinic on campus has improved the way I interact with others and the way I present myself clinically and professionally. In my classes I get to discuss in small groups and have in depth conversations with my professors in a different manner than what undergraduate study was like. The professors see me as someone who could be in their shoes one day, even though I am still training and learning new skills. In February of next year, my cohort of six will be traveling to Seattle for the National Association of School Psychologist Conference. Experiences like these will help show us the larger world of psychologists and research.

What advice do you have for new or current graduate students?
An important piece of advice I would give is to make sure you connect back with your friends and family, as they’ve helped you make it this far. Try to spend time with your cohort and the students who may not be in your field, as I think you can always take a piece of advice or motivation/inspiration from the people around you. It’s always nice to check in with others.

Tell us some interesting facts about yourself.
I have a small Etsy shop where I paint phone cases with nail polish. I have made some for myself and my friends but would love to start painting for others!