A Conversation with OmegaQuant’s Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson
Some of the most meaningful bioscience work happening in South Dakota today comes from teams that combine scientific rigor with practical, real-world impact. OmegaQuant, headquartered in Sioux Falls, is one of those teams. In the newest episode of Favorable Environments, Tung Nguyen speaks with Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson, Director of Research at OmegaQuant, about how a diagnostics company based in the USD Discovery District’s ecosystem became a global leader in nutritional analytics and fatty acid testing.
“People want to know whether the steps they’re taking for their health are actually working.”
– Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson, Director of Research, OmegaQuant
A Global Leader in Nutritional Analytics, Built in Sioux Falls
OmegaQuant was founded in 2009 by internationally recognized researcher Dr. Bill Harris and has since grown into one of the most trusted names in the field of nutritional diagnostics. The company developed the Omega-3 Index, a simple dried blood spot test that has now been used more than a million times across more than seventy countries. Supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, the Omega-3 Index remains one of the most widely adopted tools in personalized nutrition.
In the episode, Kristina explains how OmegaQuant built a test that meets high clinical standards while remaining accessible and affordable. People can complete the test at home in minutes, send in a small sample, and receive a clear report that helps them understand whether lifestyle changes or supplements are making a measurable difference. That clarity is the reason OmegaQuant’s omega-3 and fatty acid tests are used by consumers, clinicians, researchers, and universities around the world.
From Academic Insight to Diagnostics Platform
Kristina reflects on the company’s early years and how OmegaQuant grew from an academic idea into a diagnostics platform with international reach. She shares how building a science-driven company in Sioux Falls offered unexpected advantages, including access to clinical partners, a focused operating environment, and the ability to invest time and resources into research without the friction often found in larger markets. Those conditions helped the company expand its test menu and strengthen its scientific foundation while serving customers globally from right here in South Dakota.
Translating Science for People Everywhere
Later in the conversation, Tung notes how producer Ngoc Thach first connected with Kristina through her TEDx Sioux Falls talk, which showcased her ability to translate complex research into language that feels clear and meaningful. Kristina describes why communication matters in nutritional science and how helping people understand their own health data remains one of the most important parts of her work.
The story of OmegaQuant demonstrates how high-impact diagnostics and personalized nutrition research can grow in places designed to support long-term scientific work. It also highlights the strength of South Dakota’s emerging bioscience ecosystem and the role the USD Discovery District continues to play as a hub for companies working in diagnostics, biotech, and applied research.
Listen to the Full Conversation
To hear more from Kristina, listen to Episode 15 of Favorable Environments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at favorableenvironments.com.
Learn more about OmegaQuant’s nutritional analytics at omegaquant.com.
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