Who We Are
The Academic Associate Program is an undergraduate pediatric research minor where students
receive credit while learning how to conduct clinical research designed by University of Utah and
Primary Children’s Hospital researchers.
The Academic Associates program was founded by Maija Holsti in 2009. She modeled the AcA
program after a student research program in Philadelphia that she learned about when she
interviewed there for a fellowship. When she started the program she traveled to Philadelphia to
learn how they organized, trained, and supported students in their program. The AcA program is the
result of all her hard work along with other invaluable colleagues who helped lay the foundation for
the program’s success.
Our Mission
To give students a valuable experiential opportunity to learn
the fundamentals of clinical research.
For students to confidently apply clinical research knowledge
regardless of their previous experience with research.
To be a pathway program for future healthcare professionals.