Thesis and Dissertation Advisors -
Education
DEBRA FISHER
Scope: distance education, web-based learning, online learning, instructional design, heuristic inquiry paradigm, qualitative research designs, mixed-methods research designs, research methodology, education, higher education, educational leadership, religious studies, theology, spirituality, multiple intelligences theory, emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, brain-based learning, adult learning theory.
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.
Additional Information >>MELODY L. LARK
DR. MELODY L. LARK earned a Ph.D. in political science and education, M.A. in international studies (politics and policy), MBA in finance and marketing, and BA in economics and administrative studies. She also earned two accredited certificates in adolescent substance abuse treatment. Lark has advised more than 80 doctoral students. She focuses on:
1. Content (lyrics), which addresses the introduction; thesis, hypothesis, or research questions; literature review and synthesis; data collection, coding, analysis; literature review and synthesis; implications; recommendations; and conclusions.
2. University Guidelines, which includes the title page, abstract, level headings, tables, charts, citations, quotations, and references.
3. Mechanics and Style (rhythm), which includes grammar; word usage; punctuation; spelling; sentences that are active, clear, complete, concise, interesting, and relevant; smooth transitions for flow; and scholarly tone.
Topics: business, economics, education, ethics, government (international relations, law, policy, politics, programs) health, human resources, human services, philosophy, qualitative and quantitative research/statistics, substance abuse (enforcement, prevention, and treatment programs)
Scope of service: content editing; copyediting; hypotheses; thesis statements; research questions; data instruments (data collection, retrieval, coding, analysis, interpretation); research implications; recommendations; conclusions; proposals; longitudinal data analysis; cross sectional data analysis; defense preparation; report writing; grant writing.
SUZANNE MANNESS
Specialist in APA, AAA, Harvard and Turabian Documentation.
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 - Thesis and dissertation advising
ELIZABETH L. PEARMAN
Scope: Educational Psychology - Program Evaluation, Research Methods, Statistics, Measurement
ELIZABETH L. PEARMAN, Ph.D. has spent more than 17 years designing surveys, analyzing data using SAS and SPSS, programming SAS and SPSS, developing assessments for unique situations, research design, developing sampling frames, calculating sample size, program evaluation, qualitative design, and qualitative analysis. Along with being an independent consultant in program evaluation, she teaches graduate classes Master's and Doctoral level research methods, qualitative methods, program evaluation, statistical programming, and lifespan development at the University of Northern Colorado for the Department of Applied Statistics and Research Methods and the Department of Educational Psychology. Elizabeth has completed over 40 program evaluations for clients, made more than 40 presentations at national conferences, published articles in several different fields, and authored three books. She has served on 25 dissertation committees and has consulted with another 40+ doctoral students on design, statistics, statistical programming, conceptualization, and writing in fields diverse as: sports administration, special education, educational leadership, human rehabilitation, educational psychology, applied statistics, school psychology, music education, chemistry education, biology education, instructional technology, psychology, reading, early childhood, and others. Her formal education includes a B.M. from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado in Educational Psychology specializing in research methods, measurement/assessment, program evaluation and statistics.
Additional Information >>BARBARA von DIETHER
BARBARA von DIETHER, M.Ed., Ed.D. Dissertation, thesis, and term paper preparation; writing coach; academic, business, and technical writing consultant.
Scope
Generalist -- numerous subjects/categories, including:
Education administration, education technology, secondary education, curriculum development, needs assessment, distance education, education leadership, instructional design, instructional media, advertising, business administration, business management, leadership training and development, communications, NEPA-compliant environmental assessments and impact statements.
Academic Advising
Graduate on time
Dr. von Diether guides students through difficult advisor relationships and hazy research proposals.
Academic Writing
Maximize the time and money invested towards obtaining a higher degree
Dr. von Diether helps students write theses and dissertations that connect with advisor, committee, and graduate school demands. Dr. von Diether helps organize research and content and prepares students for the final defense.
"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!!!" E. R, Ph. D., BCBA (contact information on request)
Additional Information >>Resources for Educators
Campus Technology -- A higher education technology magazine that provides updated information about advanced networking for the campus enterprise, security solutions for the campus enterprise, enterprise resource planning, managing IT assets, networking and infrastructure for the campus enterprise, and much more information for the campus IT professional."
Currents in Electronic Literacy -- Online journal published by the Computer Writing and Research Lab of the Division of Rhetoric and Composition, University of Texas at Austin.
Education Policy Analysis Archives -- Peer reviewed journal published at Arizona State University
Engineering Pathway contains a large variety of teaching and learning resources in applied science and math, engineering, computer science/information technology, and engineering technology for use by K-12 and university educators and students.
Exchange Magazine -- Learning and teaching in higher education.
Improving America's Schools -- Issues in School Reform
Innovations in SMET Education contains a wealth of information about collaborative learning and instructional technology, and a field-tested assessment guide. It was created by the National Institute for Science Education at the University of Wisconsin.
Internet TESL Journal -- For Teachers of English as a Second Language
International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
Interpersonal Computing and Technology Journal (IPCT-J) -- Journal focuses on computer-mediated communication, and the pedagogical issues surrounding the use of computers and technology in educational settings."
Journal of Education, Community, and Values: Interface on the Internet
Journal of Information Technology Education (JITE) -- Best practices in improving IT education."
Journal of Interactive Media in Education
Kairos-- A journal for teachers of writing in webbed environments .
Online Cooperative Learning in Higher Education is a large and rapidly growing site containing links to articles about both on-line and off-line cooperative learning as well as links to web sites of leading CL practitioners and authors. The site is maintained by Tim Roberts of Central Queensland University, Australia.
Paradigm: Journal of the Textbook Colloquium
Radical Pedagogy --Peer-reviewed journal devoted to the analysis of contemporary teaching and learning.
Teachnology -- Online teacher resource. "Free access to thousands of teacher resources, lesson plans, and rubrics."
