Ralph Holman

For the American attorney and judge, see Ralph M. Holman.

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