WHO WE ARE
Collaborative Scholars is a small team of two dedicated academics from diverse fields who have helped hundreds of students achieve their thesis and dissertation goals. Our mission is to provide high-quality coaching based on collaboration, integrity, respect, and transparency. Through open communication and clear guidance, we empower students to confidently navigate the often challenging and isolating process of academic research and writing. Committed to supporting graduate students worldwide, we ensure our services are accessible to all, regardless of background, financial means, or location. Together, we make academic success attainable for every student.

Dr. Amy Murdock
I have been a professional research coach since graduating with a PhD in educational leadership and policy from the University of Houston in 2021. I have worked with students all over the world on qualitative methodologies, specializing in case studies, systematic literature reviews, critical discourse analysis, content analysis, phenomenology, action research, and autoethnography. I have helped students with their research on a wide range of topics including organizational leadership, healthcare, equity issues for marginalized communities, and pedagogy and education.
dr. Alexandra Shaeffer
I’ve been working professionally as a research coach since 2020 but have been advising graduate students since 2018 after earning my PhD in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Iowa. Thanks to my mixed-methods methodological background, I have had the pleasure of working with students on quantitative research projects related to education, linguistics, psychology, business, healthcare, and AI, as well as on qualitative research projects concerning intersectional feminism, Queer studies, wellness and belonging, and cultural studies. As a research coach, I am an active listener, organized, patient, and compassionate.
