Heather Lonczak

Highly experienced academic writer/editor with expertise preparing a broad range of documents, including peer-reviewed journal articles, grant applications, textbooks, scientific papers, abstracts, case studies, curricula, survey instruments, literary fiction, and children's literature. Educational psychologist and certified SCID Interviewer with expertise across multiple modules and populations. Social scientist with an extensive background in all phases of academic research.

Psychometrist/Certified SCID Interviewer at RTI International (2020-09 – 2025-12)

Conducted clinical interviews using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) instrument. Expertise with the following modules: Major depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, psychosis, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, specific phobias, intermittent explosive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa. SCID administration experience across household, shelter, and prison samples.

• Received SCID certification and training from UW, RTI International, and recognized SCID assessment expert, Michael B. First, PhD.

Author and Academic Editor at PositivePsychology.com, Magination Press, Ivy Lane Press (2017-08 – Present)

Provide expert writing, editing, and formatting for medical, scientific, and academic research papers; websites; book chapters; research reports; and children's literature.

• Author of a multi-award-winning literary novel and over ten children's books.

Research Scientist/Program Evaluator at UW, Department of Psychiatry (2014-04 – 2016-08)

The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program. Wrote and edited journal articles, proposals, and reports; formatted manuscripts for publication; managed data collection processes; collaborated with stakeholders and consultants; wrote and managed all study-related documentation (e.g., IRB, ROI and consent materials); and conducted statistical and qualitative analyses, and scientific literature reviews.

• Devised a way to access and collect highly restricted NCIC data.
• Contributed to nationally recognized LEAD evaluation reports.

Research Scientist at UW, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (2005-09 – 2013-07)

Developed research study designs, instruments and curricula; wrote and edited manuscripts, abstracts, posters, grant applications, textbooks, and IRB materials; conducted qualitative interviews, statistical analysis, and scientific literature reviews; and presented findings at academic conferences.

• Led process data arm of the Healing of the Canoe Project, which ultimately helped to improve the quality of the collaboration.

Research Consultant/Postdoc at UW, Department of Psychology (2002-07 – 2008-03)

Housing First: Evaluation of Harm Reduction Housing for Chronic Public Inebriates. Developed research study designs and instruments; conducted interviews; wrote and edited manuscripts and grant applications; trained and supervised interviewers and research assistants; and conducted data cleaning, coding and analyses.

• Wrote initial research proposal to the RWJ Foundation which led to an invitation for a full application and multiple subsequent evaluations of Seattle's Housing First project.

Scientific Writer/Analyst & Program Evaluator at UW, Social Development Research Group (1997-02 – 2000-02)

Wrote and edited manuscripts and grant applications; developed research surveys; evaluated youth development programs; and analyzed data.

• Evaluated the long-term effects of the Seattle Social Development Project on sexual behavior and was the first non-PI to publish findings as a first author.

Research Associate at UW, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center (1995-05 – 1997-01)

Collaborated with and maintained key relationships with administrators across multiple Washington State medical institutions for a large-scale epidemiological study. Collected, interpreted and coded emergency medical data. Managed the study database.

• Was able to comprehend and code highly complex medical data on par with experienced trauma physicians.

Clinical Research Coordinator at University of Cincinnati, Biological Psychiatry Program Center (1992-01 – 1994-07)

Managed a naturalistic study of first-episode psychosis and bipolar disorder: conducted interviews with patients diagnosed with mood or psychotic disorders, entered data, and managed study database. Managed a clinical drug trial for the treatment of major depression: recruited, screened, and enrolled research participants.

• Trial case books achieved the highest accuracy relative to all collaborating research facilities nationwide.

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology – University of Washington (1999)

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – State University of New York, Brockport (1992)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Western Washington University (1989)