Jessica Parker, Ed.D. – Founder & Owner

I’m a researcher and educator who is passionate about demystifying the research and writing process for scholars. My research interests are at the intersection of technology and education; I am particularly intrigued by the potential of generative AI for academic purposes, exploring how this technology can revolutionize how we conduct research, teach, and learn. Follow my research journey on ResearchGate.

I have worked with a diverse range of researchers and scholars, and I continue to teach Doctor of Health Sciences students at MCPHS University. Before founding Dissertation by Design, I was a Senior Research Director and managed several grants with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Northeastern University School of Nursing. My Ed.D. (Northeastern University, 2017) is in Organizational Leadership. I am a reviewer for AI and Ethics, the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, and Journal of Professional Nursing. Outside of my professional life, I’m an avid reader, surfer, and snowboarder. 

Kirstie Eastwood, M.Sc. – CEO & Statistician

As a statistical consultant, entrepreneur, dedicated educator, and philanthropist, I bring a unique blend of skills and passions to my work. Since 2015, I have served as a statistics lecturer at Nelson Mandela University, and I have been a statistical consultant since 2016. My passion for people, teaching, numbers, and community upliftment fuels my work.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching statistics to hundreds of students, both statistics majors and those from other disciplines. I’ve also guided over 500 quantitative researchers across various fields, from the inception of their projects to the completion of their theses or articles. I thrive on the diversity of current research I encounter in my work and enjoy the rich interactions that come from teaching and consulting with fellow researchers.

I hold an M.Sc in Mathematical Statistics and graduated as the top student across all faculties and among 6000 graduates at Nelson Mandela University. I firmly believe in Nelson Mandela’s words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Mathematics and statistics are often viewed as challenging subjects; however, I’ve found that it’s often not a lack of aptitude, but rather fear of the subject that hinders a person’s ability to excel. I am committed to dismantling this barrier and focusing on the practical aspects of quantitative research, rather than overwhelming individuals with theoretical ideas and frameworks that are difficult to apply to real-life research.

Many of the individuals I’ve worked with have previously taken a statistics course but struggled to translate their skills into practical methods for their own research. My mission is to bridge this gap, connecting the theoretical training often provided with the practical applications necessary for successful quantitative research.

Tess Lawrence, BA Hons. – Executive Assistant & Billing Coordinator 

I am a dedicated professional, known for my follow through and commitment to the task at hand. I completed my Honors in Psychology in 2021 at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. I am currently studying towards my Master of Research in Psychology, with special focus on equine-assisted therapy and children, and I intend to qualify as a Counselling Psychologist in the future.

I am all about empathy and support. Whether through my studies or while working, I am passionate about helping people and am continuously developing my interpersonal skills to do so effectively. My background in psychology has equipped me with the ability to connect with a diverse range of people.

I have been within the educational sphere since 2018, assisting neuro-diverse children excel within their academic journey. This is where my passion for people has flourished and developed. I take special interest in childhood development and growth. On a personal note, I am a lifelong animal lover and intend to combine my passion for animals with my passion for helping people. I have also completed various courses in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practices, Therapeutic Riding practices and Psychological Developmental courses.

Angela Glymph, PhD – Dissertation Consultant And Statistician

 

I earned my PhD and MS in Social Psychology from Howard University in 2008, focusing on juror bias and procedural fairness. I have about 10 years of combined experience in the fields of program evaluation, psychological, public health and educational research, large-scale assessments, statistics, and psychometrics. My areas of expertise include quantitative statistical analyses, survey research design and methods, and psychometrics.

I have taught undergraduate and graduate-level statistics, psychometrics, and research methods courses at various universities in the greater Washington, DC area and am currently Adjunct Faculty at Howard University. I enjoy teaching and communicating highly technical information to non-technical audiences. I am published and frequently asked to make presentations and sit on professional panels in public health and education conferences. I have co-authored two textbooks that are currently in use in college-level courses. My passion for teaching and learning is evident in the deep investments I make in helping students confidently and skillfully engage in research.

Jimmy Jung, PhD – Dissertation Consultant and Statistician

 

I earned my PhD from The Graduate Center, City University of New York in Educational Psychology, specializing in quantitative methods and policy analysis. I have two decades of experience working in higher education administration and conducting educational policy research. My areas of expertise include statistical analyses, survey research design, and data mining techniques. I have worked with data from a variety of fields, including education, financial investment, marketing, medical, and beyond. I have also held faculty appointments at several universities, where I served on dissertation committees, consulted on research grants, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in education, statistics, psychology, and higher education leadership. I have a passion for working with a wide range of students and helping them develop strategies to successfully complete their work.

Chris Aberson, PhD – Dissertation Coach & Statistician

I earned my Ph.D. focused on Quantitative and Social Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. With over 25 years of experience, I have taught undergraduate and graduate-level statistics and research methods courses. I’ve published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, two books on statistical power, and regularly give workshops on statistical techniques. My research focuses on issues of intergroup relations as well as developing easy-to-use statistical tools. My areas of expertise include statistical analyses and research design. Throughout my career, I have mentored many undergraduate and graduate students, often co-authoring publications and presentations with them. Over the past 15 years, I’ve served in five different editorial roles for outlets focused on both Social Psychology and Statistics/Research Methods. I find mentoring students tremendously rewarding.

Dissertation Coach, Dissertation by Design

Candace Hall-Wurst, Ph.D. – Dissertation Coach

Whether qualitative or quantitative, I relish the challenges of research. I appreciate every stage, from design to data collection and analysis, through to implementing findings into practice. I am equally passionate about collaborating with others to accomplish their goals throughout these stages.

I possess an interdisciplinary background with a PhD in International Development, delving into the intersections of sociology, economics, and political science. My dissertation employed social network analysis to juxtapose social learning processes in individualistic and collectivist societies. Not only did I reside in South Korea for three years to conduct my research, but a portion of my dissertation is also penned in the Korean language (hangul). While I have mentored students from various disciplines, my personal research is currently predominantly published in the realms of public health, geography, and sociology. On a professional note, I have co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles and two books. Additionally, I serve on the editorial boards of two journals and have conducted peer reviews for more than two dozen journals and book publishers. Originally from Atlanta, GA, I’ve found solace in the majestic mountains of East Tennessee. Outside of work, I immerse myself in activities with my four cherished ones. We are enthusiasts of camping, hiking, and broadly, traversing the globe (with a tally of 35 countries and counting).

Rowena Robles, Ph.D. – Dissertation Coach

I have over 20 years of experience as a university lecturer, evaluator, and fund development professional for community-based and philanthropic organizations. Coming from an inter-disciplinary PhD program, I can assist graduate students in all social sciences as well those in education and humanities specifically grounded in ethnic studies. I integrate coaching around time management, impostor syndrome, and effective communication with faculty into my work with students. I have extensive qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills. Additionally, I have experience designing and conducting research studies, evaluations, organizational assessments, and participatory action research projects from the proposal stage through to the completion. I have provided guidance, assistance, and support to hundreds of students, helping them to the dissertation and thesis finish line. My degrees include a B.A. in Economics and Sociology; M.A. in Education Policy; and a PhD in Ethnic Studies, all awarded from the University of California, Berkeley.

Dissertation Coach, Dissertation Consultant

Lydia K. Manning, Ph.D. – Dissertation Coach

As a seasoned gerontologist, educator, and entrepreneur, I bring a wealth of experience to the field of aging. With two decades dedicated to enhancing the lives of aging individuals, my commitment to this field is unwavering. I own a consulting company where I apply my gerontological expertise to assist companies, organizations, and individuals in addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with aging.

In 2011, I earned my Ph.D. in social gerontology from the Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My dissertation delved into the lived experience of spirituality among women aged 85 and older. Post-doctoral studies led me to Duke University’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, where I researched the interplay between resilience and religion for older adults under an NIH T-32 grant.

My academic interests lie in the intricate issues related to aging, health, and well-being. On a social level, I am passionate about advocating for justice for older adults and dismantling ageism. This commitment permeates all aspects of my work, from the courses I teach to the students I mentor.

Locally, I am actively involved in the Age-Friendly and Dementia Friendly Movements in Oak Park and River Forest, IL. My work in these movements is a testament to my dedication to creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for our aging population. Through my varied roles, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults and contribute to a more age-friendly society.

Qualitative Data Analysis, Dr. Veronica Richard

Veronica Richard, Ph.D. – Qualitative Methodologist

Before joining Dissertation by Design, I held various academic positions, including adjunct, assistant, and associate professor roles at the University of Northern Colorado, Indiana University Northwest, and Concordia University Chicago. My experience spans working with undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, primarily in the fields of literacy and research methods.

Throughout my career, I have been an integral part of nine research teams, many of which were grant-funded and dedicated to supporting at-risk youth. Our primary focus areas included literacy development, social and behavioral skill development, and teacher development. This work underscored the importance of fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders and how these collaborations can drive change and advocacy.

I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado in 2010, specializing in Applied Statistical Research and Research Methods with a cognate in Reading. My extensive training and experience in qualitative methodologies, methods, and literacy have equipped me with a unique skill set. My dissertation delved into the experiences of secondary preservice teachers with content area literacy practices, employing diverse and innovative data collection and analysis methods.

In addition to my academic and research roles, I serve as a reviewer for several esteemed journals, including Qualitative Research in Psychology, Emerging Adulthood, and the International Journal of Research and Methods in Education. My work is driven by a commitment to amplifying voices that are traditionally marginalized or silenced. I strive to embody this commitment in my pedagogy, research, and mentoring practices.

One of my primary objectives is to help others navigate and gain confidence in scholarly discourse. I believe in empowering individuals to become confident, articulate contributors to their respective fields, and I am dedicated to supporting them on this journey.

Karen Rosenberg, PhD. – Dissertation Coach

I am a dissertation consultant and coach who is passionate about partnering with writers to help them succeed on their educational journeys. As a doctoral student in women’s studies, I gained extensive experience in interdisciplinary qualitative research methodologies as well as text-based methodologies like discourse analysis. My dissertation examined criminal legal responses to violence against women in Canada and the United States, a project that involved collecting and analyzing qualitative interview data as part of a comparative case study. My multi- and interdisciplinary background allows me to adeptly navigate diverse fields, quickly identifying core research questions and synthesizing key literatures.

After the birth of my first child, I pivoted from researching violence against women to centering my work on supporting academic writers. I directed the writing center at the University of Washington Bothell for over a decade, coaching student and faculty writers as well as leading faculty development programs. I then transitioned to McMaster University as a graduate writing specialist, consulting with doctoral students in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences to provide tailored guidance through their dissertation writing process.

My approach blends pragmatism with compassion, equipping writers with efficient, effective strategies to meet their goals.

Louise Vincent, Ph.D. – Qualitative Methodologist

I have been an academic for over 25 years. I have authored more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and books.
My passion is demystifying academia and developing the research abilities, knowledge, and confidence of a new generation of researchers. I love helping researchers choose the appropriate research design and methods for the questions they are curious to answer.

I have traveled to many parts of the world assisting Ph.D. and M.A. candidates and academics in every discipline imaginable with a range of research endeavors, including proposal writing, writing for publication, qualitative data methods, qualitative data analysis, NVivo, literature reviews, and the use of theory in qualitative methodologies.

My research specialty is in the field of the politics of the body – an interest in ways in which social and political power relations can be understood to be enacted through, on and in the bodies of citizens.

In my downtime, I enjoy traveling, reading, and playing competitive lawn bowls.

 

Alison Young Reusser Ph.D. – Dissertation Coach & Statistician

I have a M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology with a minor in Quantitative Psychology from The Ohio State University. My research interests include attitudes, persuasion, online discourse and the impact of AI on community. I have worked with doctoral students at multiple stages of the dissertation process since 2014 and have served on dissertation committees and as a dissertation chair. I enjoy learning about what excites you about your research – what is it that you want to understand in your work? How do you want to add to the body of knowledge in your field? I’m experienced in helping doctoral students in the planning stages of their project (How do you write specific, compelling research questions? What methods/designs are appropriate to answer them?) as well as the analyses & interpretation stages (What statistical techniques are best-suited to the research questions and data in front of me? What do my statistical findings mean?). I know how to employ open-science practices (e.g., registered reports, pre-registration of hypotheses and analysis plans, etc.), have years of experience presenting and publishing quantitative work and can help students navigate the complicated process of a quantitative project. This is difficult, taxing work – but you can do it!

Dissertation by Design does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, and genetic information, or age. Dissertation by Design strives to be a safe space for anyone who belongs to a historically marginalized group. We welcome all clients from these groups as we are aware that academic spaces have not traditionally served people of color and people whose gender identities and/or sexual orientation are not heteronormative. We will do our best to create spaces where clients neither need to hide nor share these important aspects of their identities.