Spring Graduates 2023: Joshua Fullard

Joshua Fullard has gone from an undergraduate politics student to an assistant professor of behavioural science in just ten years. Graduating with a PhD in Economics, he said the decision to come to Essex was the best one he could have ever made.

Joshua joined Essex as an undergraduate in 2012 studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics in the Department of Government. His potential was soon recognised and in his second year he was invited to take part in the Applied Quantitative Methods pathway.

This pathway saw him taking advanced courses that were only previously available to Masters students on a range of topics including survey methodology and data analysis.

“It gave me the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading quantitative researchers,” he said. “Regularly interacting with them in this setting showed me how applied quantitative research can be used to shed light on some of the world’s most challenging issues and that research can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

This experience then inspired Joshua to apply for an ESRC-funded studentship in economics at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) with his research having a particular focus on understanding education inequalities.

“Not only did I get the opportunities to learn from some of the world’s leading researchers, but I also got to be part of an institution that is dedicated to challenging norms and breaking down barriers,” he said. “Coming to Essex was the best decision I could have ever made.”

He said that, like any young person moving away from home for the first time, it wasn’t always easy, but he thanks the welcoming Essex community and the support of his lecturers.

“Everyone at Essex, from cleaners, sports centre staff and security to student support, human resources, and my lecturers and classmates were always nothing but welcoming, supportive and a pleasure to be around – the amazing people I met and who make up this wonderful community truly made Essex feel like home.

“My lecturers were incredibly supportive, welcoming, and dedicated. It was this continued support from my lecturers that truly allowed by interest in economics to flourish.”

After completing his PhD, Joshua worked as a lecturer in the Department of Economics. He taught experimental economics, which he described as “a ton of fun.” He recently moved to the University of Warwick where he continues his research on educational inequalities.

“While my work may not have changed the world (yet!) it has gained national and international media coverage in a range of publications,” he said. “My goal is to help make the world a better place though both my research and by inspiring the next generation of students.”

Joshua is now an Assistant Professor in the Warwick Business School at the University of Warwick.

Read more of our Spring Graduates 2023 stories.