The Academic Associates Program is a partnership between the Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Introductory Course

Students take didactic seminars on research methods, data collection and processing, and ethical issues related to research while participating in clinical research and observation of clinical practice in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Advanced Course

Students focus on 1–2 research projects, learn how to write a research project in a scientific paper format, and develop their career goals with the virtual assistance of a faculty member.

Eligibility

Sophomore and junior undergraduate students who are NOT in a joint undergraduate/medical school program, such as HBS, HPA, HonorsMed, and JAMP. The application requires a one-page essay on the following topic: My understanding of clinical research and how it can advance my career.

Time Commitment

• 2–3 hours for orientation
• 6 hours every 2 weeks of clinical duties
• Available on six select Fridays for one to two hours, in-person and virtual lectures and/or exams

Benefits of Participation

• Course credit (3 hours)
• Exposure to both clinical medicine and clinical research that may assist with career decision making
• Access to clinicians and researchers that may lead to mentor/mentee relationships that could help in their professions

More Information

• Program Brochure
• Application (Deadline: May 18, 2026)

For more information, contact Lynette Lister, Texas Children’s Hospital Administrative Coordinator (lister@bcm.edu), or Dr. Monique Ogletree, University of Houston Faculty Director (mogletree@uh.edu).