The Dissertation Doctor

Getting your dissertation proposal approved is a daunting challenge. I am here to help. 

Dr. Dennison Bhola

We specialize in helping you to

plan

Create your research questions

In this process, I help you crystallize, clarify, and phrase your questions in the appropriate research language.  We start by stating the questions in simple English. 

planning

Design your research

While there are many ways to gather data to answer questions, there are optimal methods.  We will draw upon quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs to answer your research questions using an optimal solution. 

conversation

Communicate with your advisor

Often, a dissertation proposal gets bogged down or stuck in a communication impasse.  We will diagnose the root cause of the problem and equip you with language to get “unstuck” and move your research forward. 

My success in writing my thesis and receiving committee approval for my Doctorate can directly be attributed to the support I received from Dr. Dennison Bhola, The Dissertation Doctor. His expertise in research design, question writing, assessment, and statistics is unmatched from my perspective of working with consultants for over 40 years as an administrator in Nebraska.

Dr. Galen Boldt,
Veteran Educator, Nebraska.

Features of the Dissertation Doctor

Confidentiality

We treat our client communications with the We treat our client communications with utmost confidentiality.

Accountability Partner

We will make plans with your input, and follow-up at mutually agreed upon times. While there is flexibility, we will hold you accountable.

Increase the chances that your proposal will be approved.

The Dissertation Doctor will help you decipher instructions and understand exactly what your advisor is trying to communicate. He will equip you with language to ask clarifying questions to ensure your proposal meets the expectations of your advisor and dissertation committee.

We provide a panel to prepare you for your dissertation defense.

Later, after you complete your data analyses and are preparing for your dissertation defense, we can provide a panel that will listen to your presentation and ask probing questions. This way you will be better prepared for the big day!

Testimonials from Clients

One of the most daunting steps in finishing a doctoral program is the dissertation. Finding an idea, setting up the plan, getting it approved, doing the research, gathering the data, analyzing the data, writing the dissertation, and defending it leaves many students “All But Dissertation (ABD)”. Dr. Dennison Bhola, The Dissertation Doctor, can give you sound advice and assistance in every step of the process. He will begin by listening to you talk about your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and goals to develop the best plan for YOU. Dr. Bhola will help you gain confidence by helping you when you need help, encouraging you when you feel confident on your own, and doing everything possible to help you be successful. Graduating from the prestigious QQME program at UNL, Dr. Bhola is a lifelong educator who has expertise in measurement, statistics, and research design. Having worked and collaborated with Dr. Bhola for almost 30 years, I find him to be a superb listener, data analyst, and technical report writer. If the idea of a dissertation makes you queasy, call The Dissertation Doctor today for help. Do not leave your program ABD.
Dr. Richard Harding
Retired Senior Vice-President of Gallup’s Selection Research Practice.
“I would highly recommend Dr. Dennison Bhola to anyone working on their dissertation. He is a great listener and someone who can share ideas to help you transition from ‘struggling’ to successful. He knows the ropes and can help you communicate with a tough advisor. Dr. Bhola has expertise in qualitative and quantitative research designs, measurement, statistics, and technical writing.”
Dr. Mary Hayes
Director of Research, ADP Research Institute - People and Performance.
“With Dr. Bhola’s help, I managed to co-author and self-publish two education books in one year’s time. Dennison listens carefully and understands how to help. His conceptual prowess helped me organize complex subject matter into a reader-friendly format. Regardless of where you start, he will help you work with your ideas while ensuring you learn and grow during the process.”
Michelle Piel, M.A.
Co-author of the Create Aha! Moments book series and Managing Partner, Psychometric Solutions.
“The Dissertation Doctor provides support, examples and hands-on tools for every graduate student. The people are what sets their support apart and ensures you are successful and that your dissertation work impacts the field of education.”
Andy DuRoss
School Superintendent, School District 54, Schaumburg, Illinois.
"Dr. Dennison Bhola has been involved in supervising dissertations for a number of years on a wide academic field from education to the sciences. He has expertise in research design, assessment, and statistics, and is therefore able to help a doctoral student to conceptualize their ideas and analyze research data. This combination sets him apart as a dissertation advisor who can help a student through the entire dissertation process. You would find that Dr. Bhola is a very good listener and who is able to help you to clarify and rephrase your ideas in the best possible way. I highly recommend Dr. Bhola, as I have witnessed first-hand his effectiveness in guiding students through the dissertation process."
Steve Mohammed, D.Phil., M.S.
Chief Academic Officer, OASIS Institute of Higher Learning
“I am excited to learn that Dr. Dennison Bhola and his team are launching The Dissertation Doctor service. I have known Dennison for more than 20 years and have always admired his expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and assessment. Doctoral candidates seeking consultation will definitely benefit from the research know-how of Dennison and his team. More importantly, as someone who was once mentored by Dennison and successfully completed my Ph.D. in psychometrics, I believe his passion for helping others succeed and his talent as a good listener will bring individualized and rewarding experiences to doctoral students who are eager to complete their dissertation proposal and dissertation defense.”
Yongwei Yang, Ph.D.
Research Scientist

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m having trouble communicating with my advisor. How can you help me?

I can listen and discuss options with you to improve communication with your advisor.  We will focus on formulating action plans to get you the outcomes you desire.  As a former advisor and Ph.D. student, I understand the process and know how to communicate effectively to complete the dissertation process.

 

What will I learn from working with you, that I cannot get from working with my advisor?

Clarity.  If your advisor is doing an excellent job communicating with you and supporting you through your dissertation process, there is no need for this service.  I provide the time, patience, and one-on-one coaching to help you learn and grow your skills as a scholarly researcher.

Can you help me run the stats?

This is not a data analysis service.  However, we can recommend data analysis experts who provide this service at a reasonable rate.

Do I need to send you my dissertation (or other stuff)?

No, not unless there is something specific that you need me to review.

Can I call you for future help if something comes up with my final dissertation?

Yes.  As your coach I want you to succeed.

When is our contract “over”?

This will be documented in the service agreement.

What are the main services that you offer? 

  • We help you identify your dissertation topic.
  • We help you clarify your research questions.
  • We help you design your research using appropriate methodologies.
  • We help you communicate with your advisor to get your proposal approved.
  • We listen, coach, guide, and serve as your accountability partner for following your action plan.

What if I need to extend my timeline due to illness or a family emergency?

No problem.  Just communicate with us and we will figure out a plan together.

How long is each appointment?

Each appointment is typically 30-40 minutes long.

What if I need to reschedule an appointment?

As a professional courtesy, if you need to reschedule please do so at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time.  Knowing that your dissertation is one of your top priorities, as your accountability partner we will do our best to keep you on schedule.

Where do we meet?

We can meet online or via phone.  We prefer using Zoom because it allows us to have face-to-face communication with our clients.  Plus, it allows for seeing slides and documents.

Does the service agreement address confidentiality?

Yes, all of our communication will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

How do I become a client?

After your initial consultation, we will send you an email with a service agreement that includes a link to pay for services.

How do I schedule a meeting? 

Please use the automated appointment calendar to schedule our meetings at a time that works for you.

What happens at my initial consultation call?

You will describe the status of your dissertation and any issues that you are facing.  Dr. Bhola will ask questions to learn more about your goals.  He will listen attentively, brainstorm ideas with you, and together you will begin creating an action plan.  The action plan will include the next steps you can take towards reaching your goals and completing your dissertation.

Who will I be working with?

You will be working primarily with Dr. Dennison Bhola.  Members of the Psychometric-Solutions Research Team will be asked to share their expertise when needed.