I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Brown University's Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy. My research interests include political behavior, institutions, and survey experimental methods. My work is connected by a strong substantive interest in preference formation and change. I received my PhD in political science from the University of Rochester in 2025 specializing in American Politics and Political Methodology. My work has appeared in American Politics Research and Presidential Studies Quarterly.

My research examines the process of opinion formation and change in elite and citizen contexts, from roll call voting to issue framing. My current research agenda centers on public opinion and political psychology, with additional work on the Presidency and bureaucracy. Ongoing projects include experimental work on framing and citizens’ evaluations of the economy; a book project on elite opinion leadership in the era of Donald Trump; and observational studies of Presidential control of the bureaucracy. Links to my working papers can be found on my research page. 

For my publications and ongoing research, see my research page here. For information about my teaching experience, click here. For my CV, click here.  You can reach me by email at: joseph_essig[at]brown.edu.(Google Scholar Profile) 

Education:

• Ph.D, Political Science, University of Rochester (2025)

• M.A., Political Science, University of Rochester (2022)

• B.A., English & Political Science - University of Rhode Island (2015-2019)  Phi Beta Kappa