May 14, 2020, Sioux Falls, SD – Yesterday, the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) announced 15 individuals who will be inducted into its Class of 2020 Fellows. Among those honored is OmegaQuant’s Founder and President, William S. Harris, PhD.
To be inducted as a Fellow of the Society is the highest honor ASN bestows, recognizing individuals for significant discoveries and distinguished careers in the field of nutrition.
For nearly 40 years, Dr. Harris’ research has focused primarily on understanding the role of omega-3 fatty acids in lowering risk for cardiovascular disease. He has been the principal investigator on five omega-3-related NIH grants and currently has 300 omega-3-related publications. Dr. Harris was also a co-author on three American Heart Association Advisory Statements on omega-3 (and omega-6) fatty acids and heart health.
In 2004, Dr. Harris and his colleague, Clemens von Schacky, MD, developed (and continue to validate) the “Omega-3 Index” (a measure of EPA and DHA in red blood cells) as a new risk factor for cardiovascular (and perhaps neurocognitive) disorders. In 2009, he founded OmegaQuant Analytics, LLC, to offer fatty acid testing services to researchers, healthcare providers, and consumers.
About being elected an ASN fellow, Dr. Harris commented: “It’s a great honor to receive the highest recognition that the American Society of Nutrition bestows for those scientists who have contributed significantly to the science of nutrition. There have been only 400 people elected as Fellows in the last 70 years, so this is a rather select group. Further, it validates the scientific contribution that I’ve made to the omega-3 field and recognizes its importance.”
“I’m proud to join my graduate school advisor, Dr. Patricia Swan; my postdoctoral mentor, Dr. William E. Connor; as well as two other major contributors to omega-3 science: Drs. Bill Lands and Ralph Holman,” Dr. Harris added. “As much as I hate a string of meaningless initials following my name, this one – FASN – just might become a permanent fixture.”
The ASN Class of 2020 Fellows will be honored during NUTRITION 2020 LIVE ONLINE, ASN’s virtual meeting, and recognized at the Fellows, 50-Year Members and Past Presidents Luncheon during the American Society for Nutrition’s flagship meeting, Nutrition 2021 in Boston July 10-13, 2021.
“We are delighted to recognize these extraordinary individuals as Fellows of the American Society for Nutrition,” said ASN President, Richard D. Mattes, PhD, MPH, RD. “Over the course of their careers, their discoveries and contributions have not only advanced the science and practice of nutrition, but also inspired countless professionals who have followed in their paths. We celebrate their achievements and the innovations they have brought to our field.”