Graduate

Graduate Alumni Interview: Jessica Griffith

Jessica Griffith,

PhD in English, rhetoric and composition concentration
Spring 2023

Why did you come to USF for your PhD?

There were a lot of reasons I chose USF—my family was close by, and I already lived in the area for a few years. I think what made the difference is that because I completed my MA at USF, I knew that if I wanted to finish the PhD I would benefit from the support of the faculty members I had already developed relationships with.

What was a unique opportunity that you had while in your program?

I had the opportunity to work with some really great faculty members who ended up being lifelong collaborators. Not only did this helped me to navigate the publishing process, but it also helped me to appreciate and enjoy research.

What did you like best about your time in your program?

For me, I liked that, in the rhetoric and composition side, we were encouraged to explore our own interests and to use opportunities in coursework to further our own projects. I also appreciated that applied research was positioned as an avenue worth taking, because I would not have developed my research interests without it.

What is your current position and how did your experience in the English department prepare you for your job?

My current position is as an Assistant Professor of Instruction at USF. solidified when I found countless opportunities to teach new courses, learn about course design, and have a hand in discussing teaching strategies. The position at USF was perfect because of how invested I was in the undergraduate PTC program already.