IRDS is happy to introduce Joseph Finke, a new Research Associate.

A lifelong Hoosier, Joseph grew up on a farm in southern Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Classics from Valparaiso University and a Master’s of Public Affairs from IUPUI. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Indiana University Bloomington and is working on a dissertation about rural attitudes toward higher education.

Joseph brings experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research in higher education settings. In a previous job, he worked with more than a dozen colleges and universities to conduct program evaluations and research projects. Then as a graduate assistant at IU, he worked with institutional data to support and assess student success initiatives. Here at BSU, he is excited to collaborate with other IRDS staff on research projects that improve our understanding of key issues and that inform policy decisions.

Outside of work, Joseph roots for (and often bemoans) the Cincinnati Reds and listens to too many podcasts. As a new resident of Muncie, he is looking forward to biking, running, and walking on the Cardinal Greenway.