Denise Schmutte, Ph.D.

Dr. Schmutte is a freelance writer and editor with specialized training in technical communication. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology and 20 years of experience as a child clinical psychologist. She has also worked as a university professor, helping students with theses and other research projects. She has written or print and online publications geared to a variety of different audiences, with a special interest in the social sciences, health, and medicine. 

Denise provides assistance with research, writing, statistical consultation, and editing services to take degree candidates from proposal to final form for master’s or doctoral-level projects. She particularly enjoys working with students who have gotten “stuck” in the dissertation or thesis process, helping them to find new energy and clarify their thinking in order to move forward. Students in this situation often feel demoralized and hopeless, and a bit of unbiased feedback and encouragement can go a long way towards getting them “unstuck” and back on track.

Denise’s work is fast and efficient, with a rapid turnaround time, and students appreciate her humor and supportive attitude.  

Additional Information

Communication Skills

Five years freelance writing and editing for various clients

Research and writing of print and online materials covering various topics in social sciences, medicine, and education 

Editing and consultation for academic writing using Turabian/Chicago, AMA, and APA style guidelines

Editing specifications and other engineering documents

Website management for an elementary school

19 years as a child clinical psychologist in private practice and medical settings

Highly developed skills in interviewing, problem solving, and assessment

Experience in preparing numerous documents, including evaluation reports, documentation for insurers, and patient education materials

Expert knowledge on child development and behavior

Familiarity and comfort with medical and scientific terminology

Four years as an assistant professor of psychology at Pacific Lutheran University

Teaching of several courses and supervision of graduate theses

Experience in written and oral presentation of scientific information

Experience in reviewing scientific documents

Computer and Technical Skills 

Microsoft Office, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe Acrobat, Jasc Paint Shop Pro

Familiarity with JavaScript and Visual Basic

Familiarity with HTML and XML 

Statistical analysis, research design, behavioral analysis 

Teamwork Skills 

Empathy and willingness to see things from others’ perspectives

Positive attitude and sense of humor

Self-discipline and self-motivation

Education

University of Washington, Seattle, WA: Certificate in Technical Writing

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL: M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN: B.A. in Economics

Feedback

"Denise Schmutte was excellent. All of her suggestions for re-organizing the first drafts of my thesis were right on the money. Her expertise in line-editing in APA format relieved all the stress about that aspect of the job. I would not only recommend her to anyone who needed these services but would most definitely use her again. Thank you Denise!" (Contact info on request)

“The editing that Denise did on my thesis was excellent. Her understanding of the APA guidelines was a huge help to me. Initially I was worried about the cost and reluctant to engage in the word count costing model. In the end it cost me less than another editor who was not as familiar with the guidelines. I will use Denise and the network for all future work.” Sandy Smith, Bastyr University

“Denise was excellent. She saved me from additional stress!” Eduardo Gonzalez, doctoral student, UCI