#15 - Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson: Measuring What Matters

In this episode of Favorable Environments, Tung Nguyen speaks with Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson, Director of Research at OmegaQuant Analytics, about how a science-first company in Sioux Falls became a global leader in fatty acid testing. Kristina shares the story of OmegaQuant’s founding, the research legacy of Dr. Bill Harris, and how the company grew from an academic idea into one of the most trusted diagnostic tools in the world. With more than a million Omega-3 Index tests performed, partnerships with universities and clinics across more than seventy countries, and a CLIA-certified laboratory headquartered in South Dakota, OmegaQuant has brought evidence-based nutritional analytics into everyday life in a way few companies have achieved.The conversation explores why fatty acid testing matters, what the Omega-3 Index can reveal about long-term health, and how a simple dried blood spot sample opened the door to global adoption. Kristina reflects on the early days of building a diagnostics business, the challenge of translating complex research into accessible products, and the questions customers ask when they want to understand whether their lifestyle choices are making a real impact. Kristina talks about affordability, accuracy, and the emotional dimension of helping people understand their own physiology through personalized data rather than guesswork.Later in the episode, producer Ngoc Thach reflects on how she first met Kristina through her TEDx Sioux Falls presentation, a moment that highlighted Kristina’s ability to bridge scientific rigor with clear, human storytelling. Kristina shares what it means to communicate science to audiences encountering this information for the first time, and why public understanding is now central to advancing nutrition and health research.This episode offers a close look at how a South Dakota company is shaping the future of personalized nutrition and why the region’s growing bioscience ecosystem continues to create favorable environments for science translation and global impact.To learn more about OmegaQuant, visit omegaquant.com and explore their educational resources, including OmegaQuant University and the OmegaMatters Broadcasts. To stay connected with the USD Discovery District, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/usd-discovery-district and discover opportunities at usddiscovery.com, including leasing at Building 1 for research, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.Favorable Environments is presented by the USD Discovery District and supported by South Dakota First Capital, working to expand access to capital for companies building the future of bioscience in the region.Host: Tung Nguyen, Thel ConsultingAudio/Video: Skye Giebink, Skye VideoProducer: Ngoc Thach, Mix MakerDisclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.