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 >>[an error occurred while processing this directive]
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 >>PALMIRA SANTOS
PALMIRA SANTOS, PhD, is a social scientist, educator, clinician. and researcher. Dr. Santos has facilitated the development or redesign of several health systems in urban and rural areas of the country. She has written over 200 million dollars of successful grants and has been the lead investigator on many research efforts for over twenty five years.
Her areas of interest include: health care, health policy, health management, rural and urban health issues, health promotion specially changing behavior developing and utilizing evidenced based interventions, performance improvement, quality management, leadership, evidenced-based medicine, organizational development, and health disparities.
With over a decade of dissertation experience, Dr. Santos provides expert guidance and consultation on selecting a topic, narrowing your focus and crafting your research question (s), determining the best research design, specific step by step study implementation including designing tools, instruments, sample selection, and collection of data. Her expertise also includes consultation and guidance on the construction of each chapter and productive ways to communicate and problem solve with your committee members. Prior to Dr Santos’ role as a dissertation chair and methodology advisor, she spent over twenty years in the health care field in leadership and research roles in many areas of the country.
“During my doctorate program, I have worked with many doctorate level educators, advisors, and professors …., but I can attest that Dr. Palmira Santos is the best I have had the honor and privilege of working with. Her extensive knowledge and experience, high quality standards, attention to detail, simplistic approach, and personal concern for individuals she works with speaks high volumes as to why she is respected as the best.” Gwendolyn “Brenda” Hoskins (doctorate candidate)
"Palmira was a godsend to me. She gave me both practical and motivational guidance throughout my dissertation journey. With her invaluable help, I developed a concise outline of my proposed thesis. She also gave me the confidence to pursue and successfully complete a quantitative study, something I would not have tried without her support. Palmira was always there for me throughout the entire dissertation process. I can't thank her enough for her support and encouragement,“ Dr. William Spindle
