From chemical engineering to leading advocate for veganism and plant-based nutrition, Dr. Faraz Harsini’s career transformation is as captivating as a bestselling mystery novel. As the founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), his story illustrates how a shift in perspective can drive significant changes in public health and animal welfare.

Early Influences and Career Shift

Dr. Harsini’s journey into animal protection began with his early involvement in alleviating suffering. Inspired by the work of Patch Adams, he volunteered as a hospital clown, bringing joy to children battling cancer. This experience ignited a desire in him to make a more meaningful impact, prompting a shift from studying chemical engineering to pursuing a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on cancer research.

Awakening to Plant-Based Living

A pivotal moment in Dr. Harsini’s life occurred when he began to question the dietary beliefs he had grown up with. Raised in a culture where meat consumption was deemed essential for health, a conversation with a friend challenged his views on animal products. This, coupled with growing awareness of the ethical and environmental consequences of meat consumption, led him to adopt a vegetarian and eventually a vegan lifestyle.

Impact of Plant-Based Diet on Health

Dr. Harsini’s transition to a plant-based diet was more than a personal choice; it marked a professional epiphany. He realized that reducing animal product consumption could have a profound impact on health outcomes, particularly in preventing diseases like cancer. His research revealed that many leading causes of death, including cancer and heart disease, are preventable through lifestyle changes, further solidifying his commitment to advocating for plant-based nutrition as a key strategy for enhancing public health.

Founding Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP)

Due to incredible realizations about being aligned with his values and his career choices, Dr. Harsini founded Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP). The organization focuses on educating university students about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Dr. Harsini selected this demographic for their openness to new ideas and their potential to influence future policies. Through ASAP, he aims to instill a lasting commitment to plant-based living and address global challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution, and antibiotic resistance.

Gathering Support and Building a Network

Under Dr. Harsini’s leadership, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection has built a diverse network of supporters, including scientists, environmentalists, food technologists, and legal experts. His approach highlights the interconnectedness of global issues with the food system, aiming to develop future leaders who are informed about the impacts of dietary choices and dedicated to driving systemic change.

Committed to Sustainability

Dr. Faraz Harsini’s journey from chemical engineering to vegan advocacy demonstrates the profound impact that a shift in perspective can have on both personal and professional realms. His work with Allied Scholars for Animal Protection continues to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders, advocating for a more compassionate and sustainable world through the promotion of plant-based living.

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Introduction

[01:30] The influence of Patch Adams on Dr. Harsini’s direction.

[04:00] The impact of seeing children with cancer on Dr. Harsini.

[06:45] Questioning the teachings of culture and animal consumption. 

[10:00] The connection to veganism is set in stone.

[13:00] Realizing people are making a conscious choice to eat for disease.

[16:00] Medical research does NOT require animal testing.

[18:15] How Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) came to be. 

[22:00] ASAP addresses a variety of issues that veganism improves.

[24:30] Impacting Ivy League universities at a grassroots level.

[30:00] Various types of activism with ASAP.

[34:20] Don’t just complain… do something about it. 

[40:00] The shocking truth about how many animals needlessly die. 

[42:00] Levels of impact on those who change their eating and lifestyle.

[46:30] Keep the sense of urgency… there is no time to waste.

About Dr. Faraz Harsini 

Dr. Faraz Harsini is a biomedical scientist and the CEO and founder of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), a non-profit that supports students who are interested in advocating for animal and environmental protection, public health, and pursuing careers that can make the most difference. With ASAP, he is leading the effort to build a comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure for animal advocacy in universities.

He is also a Senior Scientist at Good Food Institute, where he works on advancing scientific and technological methods to produce sustainable and cruelty-free proteins on a large scale.

Dr. Harsini’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a focus on process design and nanobiotechnology. He also has a Master’s degree in biotechnology and cancer research, as well as a PhD in Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics.

He has extensive experience in discovering and developing therapeutic proteins for diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, cancer, and inflammatory diseases in the biopharmaceutical industry as a Protein Expression and Process Development scientist. Today, he leverages this experience to scale up alternative proteins.

Dr. Harsini collaborates with organizations like Physicians Committee to promote advanced and human-relevant alternatives to animal testing that are better for humans and animals.

Additionally, he leverages his personal experiences as an immigrant, first-generation college student, and LGBT community member to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of human and animal oppression.

Dr. Harsini believes that the root cause of many global issues affecting humans and animals is linked to the food system. Therefore, he aims to change the food system and support students to become future leaders in animal protection through ASAP.

More information: www.AlliedScholars.org 

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/ 

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  [email protected]

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/