Anita Acai

Dr. Acai designs and leads applied research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Her work focuses on evaluating and strengthening professional learning programs across the health and human service sectors, with particular attention to initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for marginalized and equity-deserving populations. Her disciplinary research examines how healthcare providers—such as physicians, nurses, and social workers—are taught and supported in their learning. She studies educational programs, teaching practices, assessments, and learning environments with the goal of improving how current and future practitioners develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for high-quality care. Dr. Acai currently serves as Director, Clinical Placements at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. In this newly established leadership role, she advances the growth and effectiveness of the Office for Clinical Education, which provides students with high-quality applied clinical learning experiences. She also holds a part-time faculty appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and serves as an Adjunct Scientist with the MERIT Centre. To learn more, please visit anitaacai.com.

• Assessment and Evaluation

  HSEDUC 703 · last taught 2025

  Graduate

• Qualitative and Conceptual Methods

  HLTHPOL 747 · last taught 2024

  Graduate

• Qualitative Research Methods

  HRM / NUR 745 · last taught 2023

  Graduate

• Scientist, McMaster Education Research, Innovation and Theory (MERIT) Program, McMaster University

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