Idaho State University’s Jason Harris honored by National Health Physics Society with Anderson Award

Idaho State University's Jason Harris was honored with the Elda E. Anderson Award at the 57^th annual meeting of the Health Physics Society held in Sacramento, Calif., in July.

Harris, who has been at ISU since 2008, is an associate professor of health physics in the ISU School of Engineering and assistant director for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls.

The Elda E. Anderson Award is presented by the Health Physics Society to a young member of the Health Physics Society to recognize excellence in (1) research or development, (2) discovery or invention, (3) devotion to health physics, and/or (4) significant contributions to the profession of health physics.

"It was quite an honor and a privilege to accept the award," Harris said.

Harris, 38, said he received the award for a combination of award criteria, including his teaching, research and professional service.

Harris received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and marine science from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., graduating with honors in 1995. He earned his master’s degree in nuclear engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne in 2002 and his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2007.

He has had a varied work background in a variety of fields. He has received recent recognition as 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award – Purdue University, School of Health Sciences and 2012 IAEA International Nuclear Security Education Network Chair.

In addition, he continues to consult on nuclear power plant issues and is president of Harris HP Solutions, LLC. Harris already has an impressive record of innovative research on issues surrounding nuclear reactor and accelerator operations. His singular devotion to health physics is evident not only from his volunteer work for the Health Physics Society, American Nuclear Society, and other affiliated organizations, but also from his passion for teaching health physics.

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