The ACRP Fellowship recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of clinical research through leadership, education and service. Fellows are selected for their sustained impact on the profession, commitment to ethical standards and dedication to improving clinical research practices worldwide. Learn more about ACRP fellowship.

Jessica Fritter serves as the co-director of the CTSI’s Workforce Development Workgroup and has been named the faculty director of the CTSI’s upcoming Multisite Trial Coordinating Center. Dr. Fritter is also an associate clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing and directs multiple academic programs, including the Master of Clinical Research, Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate and the Clinical Trials Sciences Undergraduate Certificate. 

A nationally recognized leader in clinical research workforce development, Dr. Fritter spearheads programs that enhance education and professional identity in the field. She co-founded the Next STEPP Clinical Research Summer Camp for high school students and leads a national study on the impact of academic training on certification outcomes. Her contributions include numerous publications, national presentations and leadership roles in organizations such as the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research and ACRP. Dr. Fritter’s dedication to mentoring and early talent development continues to shape the next generation of clinical research professionals.

Paula Smailes brings nearly three decades of nursing experience and over 23 years in clinical research to her role as principal trainer for Clinical Research and Epic EMR at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She has also served as a visiting professor for 18 years in Chamberlain College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program, teaching nursing research, evidence-based practice and informatics.

Dr. Smailes’s volunteer service with the ACRP spans leadership roles as chapter president, vice president and secretary of the Greater Columbus Chapter, as well as contributions to the Professional Development Committee, Nominating Committee and Conference Advisory Working Group. She has been a long-standing editorial advisor and columnist for ACRP’s peer-reviewed journal, Clinical Researcher, focusing on academic medical centers and data management technology. In addition to her new Fellow designation, Dr. Smailes holds certifications as an ACRP-Certified Professional, Certified Clinical Research Professional (SoCRA) and is board-certified in Nursing Informatics.

Congratulations to Dr. Fritter and Dr. Smailes, their work not only strengthens the research infrastructure at Ohio State but also influences national standards and practices that benefit the entire clinical research community!