Thesis and Dissertation Editing & Writing Consultants
Prof. Barry Collins is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at UCLA. His numerous publications cover social psychology, applied social psychology, research methods, attitude change, persuasion, and social influence, Dissonance Theory, the design and evaluation of questionnaire measures, interviewing, health education, and community-based participatory research. These publications use a wide variety of statistical analyses. He served as Director of Research at Healthy African American Families II. He has taught at Yale and Stanford and was a Prof. of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin. He has written a textbooks on social psychology and research methods. He coauthored a book on Theories of Attitude Change. He has served and chair and vice chair of the human subjects protection committee (IRB). He has been an advisor for over a hundred undergraduate honors theses and MA and PhD theses. He has served as a social-psychology expert witness in court cases. His BS and MA were in communication at Northwestern University. He has focuses on one-on-one mentoring on activities ranging from: (a) the choice of a research topic that is relevant to the interests and skills of a particular student, (b) the identification of the most relevant theories, (c) the development of hypotheses, (d) research design, (e) the organization of research writing, (f) methods sections, (g) data analyses and the presentation results, and (h) the interpretation of results.
He has frequently served as a consulting editor for the major journals in social psychology, evaluating manuscrips for potential publication.
Industrial/organizational psychology - management and leadership -
human resources -
general psychology – clinical psychology
education - public health - counseling
Quantitative research, qualitative studies, survey methodology, statistical process control, ANOVA,
productivity measurement,
critical incident ratings, behavioral observations, behavioral interviewing,
applied field research designs and analyses,
multiple regression, path analysis, survey development and validation.
Dr. Tom Davidson has been an advisor on more than a hundred research committees for students who have achieved their doctorate or master's degree. He specializes in students who are near the beginning of their thesis or dissertation work. He will help you choose a topic, select a quantitative or qualitative methodology, and develop an effective research design. Dr. Davidson has a great deal of research experience, including hundreds of research studies for private industry. He can quickly hone in on key constructs and measures, practical methodological designs and clear statistical tests for your thesis or dissertation study. And he keeps students focused on doing only what is necessary to graduate with their master's or doctorate degree as soon as possible. Dr. Davidson takes the confusion out of thesis and dissertation development, helping students save time and money by making swift progress.
MARGARET EATON, BA, Religious Studies; MDiv; PhD, biblical studies. Her dissertation topic was on the way an aspect of Hebrew stylistics was translated into the Greek of the Septuagint. She also has qualifications in linguistics and is writing a book on conversational strategies in the Hebrew Bible.
She is a distance educator in theological education and a translation consultant with the World Bible Translation Center.
Courses taught: Classical Hebrew; Old Testament issues, such as oral tradition, literature, history, exegesis, theology; Koine Greek; New Testament issues; history; exegesis; theology.
DEBRA FISHER, M.S.Ed, B.A., is president and owner of an independent education, learning, and communications consulting company that serves both individual graduate learners and institutions of higher education. When working with graduate learners, Debra perceives her role as that of a personal writing coach and academic advisor, providing guidance and encouragement during the prospectus, proposal, analysis, and publication phases of scholarly writing. Whether helping clients brainstorm a researchable thesis; providing theoretical guidance relative to research focus and/or positional development; recommending structural and organizational revisions to enhance the clarity and cohesion of an argument; or editing for grammar, mechanics and punctuation, she customizes her services to meet the specific needs of her clients. More than achieving the completion and committee approval of a scholarly manuscript, clients appreciate Debra’s emphasis on the development of skills that help them communicate effectively using all the techniques of good writing—skills that serve them well beyond their graduate program. Debra has enjoyed coaching-advising relationships with hundreds of learners who represent a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, and all have been awarded their graduate degrees.
Debra graduated summa cum laude (B.A.) with double majors in English and education from Grand Canyon University, a Christian liberal arts university in Phoenix, Arizona. With a minor in philosophy, critical thinking permeates all her work. She received her M.S. in education from Capella University with a specialization in instructional design for online learning, and she is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in educational leadership for higher education.
"With Debra for a writing consultant, I have benefited from both the art and craft of her natural abilities and professional commitment to excellence. Not only is she an insightful visionary who perceives the completed project as it takes shape, she exemplifies the best in teacher as coach, guiding progress toward the author's desired goals. She possesses exceptional communication skills, a wealth of knowledge about educational theories and practices, and a work ethic that places a high priority on the quality and timeliness of service. In short, she delivers with the utmost integrity.”
LES FOXMAN is a public relations professor. He currently teaches Technology and Ethics, "which examines the impact that technology has upon the foundations of social, legal, cultural, and moral systems as it pertains to education. The course also addresses the challenges of copyright, intellectual property, privacy, free speech, and ethically responsible behavior. The technological and ethical issues studied helps students gain the experience, perspective, and confidence needed in an educational environment increasingly shaped by immersive, convergent digital media technologies."
Dr. Foxman has a great deal of empathy for those involved with extensive writing projects and he is willing to help writers meet the challenge at virtually any stage of the writing process – from framing good research questions to presenting results and conclusions in clear, detailed language. He works closely with students in developing the appropriately narrow focus essential to writing effective introductions, conclusions and abstracts. Likewise, he helps students work through the systematic procedures for identifying relevant theoretical literature, substantiating the significance of the research problem, describing research variables, and demonstrating how the study advances the academic discipline’s knowledge base. Well versed in the full spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies common to public relations and mass communications, he also works with students on framing the valid research protocol for their theses and dissertations.
He also teaches and writes about journalism history, popular culture, criticism, integrated marketing communication, public policy issue management, crisis communication, and media message planning and management for organizations. Dr. Foxman is the U.S. editorial advisor for an online art design publication and is a contributor to a Utah business magazine.
"Les is very professional. An incredible writer. His instruction is helpful in the professional work place. He is a fabulous teacher."
"Les was a hard, but good teacher. I realized just how much he taught me after I graduated and went to the 'real world.'"
Val Gerard retired in 1999 after 30 years as a scientist and professor. With a strong record of publications and successful research funding, she now uses her skills to help others achieve similar successes.
Past and current clients from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Patagonia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, the U.K., the U.S., and Venezuela.
High rate of client success with manuscripts submitted to scientific and medical journals, and with grant proposals to various funding agencies, including NIH and NSF (largest successful grant to date, $120 million).
Assists clients in developing written materials for commercial websites, brochures, etc.
Specializes in organization, interpretation, and clear presentation of complex information.
Helps clients improve their own writing skills for future projects, including non-native English speakers.
Provides rapid turnaround. Helps you submit your grant proposal, manuscript, book, chapter, or report on time.
More than fifty publications (see publication list, below) and one million dollars worth of successful grant proposals of her own.
Past experience as associate editor and/or reviewer for over two dozen scientific journals, including Science, and government funding agencies.
“Dr. Gerard is a wonderful writer. She took something that was a bit dry and made it engaging and easy for regular people to understand. Also, she is lovely to work with.” Vanessa Spann, associate editor, Healthy Travel Media
“Dr. Gerard help was the key for the success of my PhD thesis. She right away picked up my writing flaws and worked with me so I could understand the right way to write. Also, her suggestions about structure and comprehension were right on the mark. My committee was very impressed with the quality of the work presented and I have already recommended Dr. Gerard work to some of my colleagues.” - Successful Ph.D. Candidate in immunology, 2010
"DONE!!! The paperwork is signed and submitted, the after-defense party has been held, and I am feeling very good!!! As far as congratulations go - you deserve MUCH credit. Thank you once again, Val. That mock defense was incredibly helpful, as at least 2 questions were nearly word-for-word! Your assistance with the talk was also of great benefit, as [my advisor] said that it was one of the best defense presentations he had ever witnessed! I can put this project on the 'finally finished' pile. Your help in all this has been pivotal. I will never forget it. I have never—in my life—ever—received such targeted, useful professional advice, and productive feedback. It has been a true pleasure working with you, and learning a new way of writing and putting together a scientific story."Successful Ph.D. candidate in Ecology, U.S. 2007 (contact information on request)
"I had completely given up on the Masters, I emailed my tutor again this week and he said he would chase it up. He has just emailed back saying it has not only passed but been awarded a distinction! I owe this to you over and over, I would have given up but you just kept pushing me on." M.Sc. in Medical Education, UK, 2009 (contact information on request)
Dr. Tracy Jackson earned her PhD in Human Services (with a specialization in social work and community services) from an online university. She has a Masters in Social Work and Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. Dr. Jackson has worked in the social work field since 1996. She has helped children and families in her roles as mental health therapist, case manager, school social worker, supervisor, coordinator and qualified mental health professional. She has worked in such settings as mental health facilities, school systems, residential group homes, and juvenile justice and federal half way houses for adult offenders.
Currently, Dr. Jackson is an online instructor for two universities. She teaches in the associate, bachelor and doctorate programs. She is also a dissertation chair and committee member for several online learners. Dr. Jackson takes pride in her work and has a passion for instructing, advising and guiding students.
Her online learners have said:
“Thank you for your support. You were a great online teacher.”
“Thank you so much for your time during this course, I really enjoyed it!”
“I learned a lot and have a new found interest in the policy/political side of Human Services.”
“Thank you for assisting me outside of our regular class meetings. I really appreciate all you have done and continue to do to assist me with achieving my goal.”
Dr. Jackson assists her students in developing their research problems. She does role playing exercises to help students convey to an audience (i.e., chair and committee) the purpose of their studies, significance and findings. Dr. Jackson helps masters, capstone, and doctoral students develop a plan to conduct a thorough search of the literature. She provides guidance on choosing the most relevant theories for research topics. She is excellent at organizing and revising papers. Dr. Jackson’s own dissertation went through her committee with no rewrites before her final defense.
Dr. Jackson understands that the capstone, thesis, or dissertation writing process is a time of high stress and, therefore, the need for quick turnaround times and fast responses to emails.
JEFF KARONis a writer, teacher, proofreader, and consultant who has helped students and professionals for over twenty years. He has edited, revised, and proofread publications that include reports, theses, dissertations, textbooks, proposals, essays, stories, and articles. His Ph.D. is in English with a specialization in Rhetoric and Composition, a choice that signals his devotion to clarity and power in language. Prior to his years as an English professor, he studied and taught philosophy, critical thinking, and logic, publishing in these fields as well as in literary studies. He also is a published poet and essayist; he was a finalist in the Sandhill Review/St. Petersburg Times 2010 essay contest. He has led writing and editing workshops for students, teachers, business people, and artists. Currently, he is leading creativity workshops and developing ways to build honor in the classroom and workplace.
As a writer and teacher, he believes that we should strive for excellence by practicing effective and fair techniques at all times. He has combined a life-long interest in the martial arts with writing: if you choose to work with him, he will ensure that your writing is powerful, not merely competent.
SUZANNE MANNESS is an English professor specializing in technical and business writing. She has written and edited technical manuals, informational brochures, business proposals, and grants. She has also written computer user manuals and technical instrumentation directions. Additionally, she has edited many medical textbooks and medical articles on such subjects as heart transplants, pain management, and anesthesiology. She is an expert in all documentation systems such as Chicago Style, Harvard, APA, American Anthropological Association, and MLA. Her specialty is taking complex material and translating that material into a clear, concise, audience-friendly document.
Technical writing and editing
Academic/scholarly writing and editing (theses and dissertations)
Formatting specialist: APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, Harvard, AMA, and AAA.
Recommended by Nova Southeastern University, Capella, Walden, The University of Phoenix, and Northcentral University
Advising – Coaching – Mentoring
Research, Writing Consultant, and Editor for Graduate Students in Nursing and Allied Health Fields
Dr. Nog-Smith (RN, PhD, NP) is a nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher. She has been in nursing education since 1996 and has watched the transition from traditional brick and mortar to hybrid and online education. She is board certified in family and adult advanced practice, complementary and alternative health as an aromatherapist/herbalist, and has integrated traditional and complementary methods into her private practice.
Recently, she has transitioned into mentoring and coaching students, faculty, and practitioners to move from finding the “question” to defending the thesis or dissertation, and, writing the article for publication. She assists students in the fields of nursing and health with both qualitative and quantitative research theses and dissertations. She has been commended by her students for motivating them to manage their time, prioritize, move forward, and complete the thesis, dissertation, or capstone writing process. She is a gifted coach and understands the difficult process of balancing work, family, school, and the stressors of the research process.
She offers help with:
research and writing
editing and content organization
research proposals (qualitative and quantitative)
methodology chapters
literature reviews
abstracts
topic tutoring (nursing and allied health friends)
annotated bibliographies
oral defense preparation
Topics:
nursing research, education, administration, and advanced practice
healthcare administration
complementary and alternative health care
social justice
cultural competency
integral studies
curriculum and instruction
distance and online learning
nursing ethics
advanced nursing practice curriculum and evaluation
nursing retention
“nurse bullying”
advanced nursing practice topics
youth voice and choice, character education
feminism/feminist theory
health education
health care for the underserved
geriatric nursing
non-profit: boards of directors, grant writing, program design and evaluation.
CHRISTINE D. TOMEI, PhD, was a professor in departments of Foreign Languages and Literatures. She is currently working in academic research. Her book, Russian Women Writers (Garland Press, 1999) met with widespread critical acclaim and has become a standard reference in the field. It was also awarded the Heldt Prize for Best Book in 1999.
She has assisted graduate students at all levels in the preparation and presentation of research for over 10 years, with considerable success. Some of her students/advisees have gone on to win awards themselves.
She is proficient in MS-Office, including Powerpoint, Excel and Access, and has created documents in these formats for many purposes.
Courses taught: Freshman humanities, general education, English as a second language, Russian language; Russian romanticism & realism, women in Russia and the U.S.S.R., the silver age in Russia, Soviet socialist realism, Soviet film, nineteenth-century literature, Russian intellectual history, twentieth century, Russian literature, nineteeth-century Russian literature, Russian folklore.
Barbara von Diether has an Ed.D.
from Brigham Young
University and was the
graduate research and
writing coordinator at
Utah State University
for 12 years. She
counseled over 300
students a year who were
seeking help with the
graduate process, and
published a Publication
Guide for Graduate
Students (Utah State
University Press, 1980).
She was the final
editorial review for
theses and dissertations
from 54 departments. She
has an M.Ed. from Utah
State University in
education technology.
President of the Utah
Conference of the
American Association of
University Professors,
she met with the Board
of Regents and college
and university
presidents to resolve
faculty conflicts. She
wrote grants for
research funding that
supported graduate
students.
"You were absolutely correct!! My advisor accepted my proposal after I incorporated your changes and recommendations and it is now in the hands of my committee. When I finish Chapters 4 and 5, I will contact you – I very much appreciate your guidance and counsel. It changed a frustrating situation into a success!"
"I did it! I passed! It was an unconditional pass from all faculty members! The head of my department said it was one of the top 3 defenses he has ever seen and probably one of the most professional presentations ever... and he has been doing this for over 20 years!!! Talk about feeling good!!!! I am so very happy!!!"
6. Describe your project: (e.g., book, business document, dissertation)
7. Describe the level of writing or editing required: (e.g., copyediting, proofreading, content editing, fact-checking, ghostwriting, formatting)
8. Current word count of document:
9. Your deadline date:
10. Required manual of style, if any: (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA, AP, AAA, CBE/CSE)
11. If you are a student, please provide the URL of your university's style manual:
12. Number of charts, tables, and pictures: ____________ Do you need them edited and/or formatted?
13. Do you have a budget for the project? (Please be specific.)
14. Number of footnotes and entries in reference list:
15. Do you want to contact a particular writer/editor?
16. How did you learn about our service?
Attach a sample chapter/section or other important documents related to your project. Please zip large files (max 1MB)
YOUR NAME MUST BE IN YOUR SAMPLE DOCUMENT OR IT CAN BE THE FILE NAME (e.g., johnsmith.doc).
A sample of the material is required to receive a quote for services. If you did not send a sample and/or description of the project with your first submission, please resend.
Once your e-mail is received, the network coordinator will forward it (plus any attached files) to the consultants you selected. If no selection is made, your submission will be forwarded to several consultants who might be a good match. Final choice of consultant is yours.
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