Ralph T. Holman (March 4, 1918 – August 15, 2012) was a biochemist whose research focused on lipids and fatty acids, especially the Omega-3 fatty acid. He is regarded as the "Father of Omega-3 fatty acids", coining the term in 1963.
A review of the work of Dr. Holman is available in the Journal of Nutrition as written by himself: Holman RT. The slow discovery of the importance of omega-3 essential fatty acids in human health. J Nutr 1998;128:427S-433S.
Early life and education Ralph Theodore Holman was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Holman graduated from Bethel Junior College in 1937. He received a BS in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, and an MS in biochemistry from Rutgers University. He earned a PhD in physiological chemistry from the University of Minnesota, and finished two post-doctoral fellowships in Sweden.
Teaching He was a teacher at Texas A&M, the University of Minnesota, and at the Mayo Medical School.
Awards and recognition He became a member of the National Academy of Sciences for his work on lipids and fatty acids. In 1998 he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at Bethel Junior College.
Accomplishments
Associate of Arts, Bethel College, 1937 Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, University of Minnesota Master of Science in biochemistry, Rutgers University Ph.D. in physiological chemistry Member of National Academy of Sciences, 1981 Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, the Mayo Medical School President, American Oil Chemists Society, 1974–1975 Associate Editor and Editor, Lipids Executive Director, University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute Established the Ralph T. and Karla C. Holman Endowed Program in Chemistry at Bethel College, 1991 A. Richard Baldwin Distinguished Service Award, 2001 American Oil Chemists Society, Health & Nutrition Division, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2004
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