From Battlefield to Lab Coat: One Veteran's Mission to Revolutionize Healthcare| Marc-Antoine Harris

Science and art may seem like two distant worlds—one driven by logic and the other by emotion—but at their core, both are about curiosity, creativity, and discovery. For centuries, Black men in science have defied odds, pushing boundaries not only in laboratories but also in the way we understand and shape the world. In this feature, we spotlight Marc Antoine, a visionary whose work bridges the gap between scientific innovation and artistic inspiration. His journey challenges the notion that science is rigid and art is fluid, proving that the two are deeply interconnected, shaping culture, community, and the future in ways we have yet to imagine.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
During my career, many commanders encouraged me to pursue my education and utilize my leadership skills to aid humanity. However, I had no clue what I wanted to do while I was in. After my retirement from the military, I was compelled to help my comrades who were battling post-retirement issues like PTSD, chronic diseases, rehabilitation from injuries, and reintegration into civilian life.
What was your journey through the education process like to get to where you are today?
My journey began while I was still in the military, taking classes to see what interested me. As time passed, I gravitated towards science, first kinesiology coaching, then AS general psychology, BS exercise physiology, MS kinesiology, and human performance, and then onto PHD: Health Sciences: Healthcare Leadership program.

As an African American in STEM, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
For me, the biggest challenge is creating a lane that has not been navigated yet. I am an interdisciplinary healthcare provider that utilizes multiple disciplines to achieve my goal of holistic functional healthcare. Most of the practitioners are steadfast in their discipline and do not incorporate other techniques to enhance the effectiveness of an intervention. 
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The statistics for African Americans in STEM fields are often disheartening. What do you believe needs to change to increase representation?
The main thing that needs to change is that AA STEM representatives need to be highlighted and celebrated in the AA community so the children can see people who look like them achieving greatness in other areas of society, outside of sports and entertainment. 

How can early exposure to STEM education and resources shape the futures of underrepresented students?
As stated above, this will allow children to open their minds to other avenues of society muted in the last 40 years. ​

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Your international experiences have broadened your perspective. Can you share how working in different countries has influenced your approach to science and mentorship?
One of the many things that have broadened my perspective is to think of people, not procedures. While in Japan, I was developing meal plans for Japanese athletes. Through conversations with my mentor, I realized that their palette is different from ours, so it would be hard for an athlete to adapt and adhere to a Western nutritional protocol. This initial assessment is the appropriate approach considering the uniqueness and diversity of gut microbiota, and the major role the gut plays a major role in overall health. We must examine the individual based on their health history, behavioral habits and any cultural considerations that may impact the overall outcome. 

Preparation is often touted as the key to success. What advice would you give aspiring scientists about preparing academically and personally for a STEM career?
Read! Read a lot! Even when you are not working on a project, you are working on your craft. Degrees and certifications only go so far. You must utilize AI sites like Consensus to gain further knowledge on topics only loosely covered in classes or certification courses. This makes you a force multiplier for any team you lead or on as support or advisor. 

Mentorship is a critical part of professional growth. Who were your mentors, and how did they impact your career?
My first mentor, Ceabert J Griffith, is the pioneer of the Semper Fit program and the author  for Prescription for illness. Many people in Okinawa said I reminded them of him and that I should seek his counsel. I did, and he is the one who planted the Dr. seed, and I have never looked back. Ironically, he is a distant cousin. 
Next is Youji Odagawa of Odagawa Fitness Pro. Youji has been instrumental in boosting my confidence regarding being in the public spotlight. I am not shy, but TV, photo shoots, and interviews were never my thing. He offered me many opportunities to expand my mindset, which has set me up for future success. He also recommended that I aid him in HIIT protocols to help aging adults in Okinawa obtain the elite centenarian status it is known for. 
Dr. Zacharias Papadakis and Dr. Tal Amasy (Barry University) are extremely demanding and tough professors, but looking back, they have made things easy by ensuring that I have a solid foundation in the basics of sports science. 
I have only recently met Dr. Makoto, Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science Suzuki (of Blue Zones longevity notoriety). Still, he has left an indelible mark on me. His wisdom has shaped my approach to longevity, health care, and overall wellness. He will also be the mentor for one of my research papers on Okinawan longevity. 
 
What role does mentorship play in building the next generation of African American scientists and innovators?
The next generation does not know what it doesn’t know. Many may have the aspirations to pursue science-based occupations, but no one is nearby to set an example that will lead to mentorship. We must become visible to future generations. 

Can you share a story or moment in your career that reaffirmed your passion for science and belief in its power to create change?
There is no moment; rather, there are multiple moments where I meet a leader in the health and wellness space, and they confirm that I have “it” to be successful in this field. Last meeting with Dr. Suzuki, Dr. Best (University of Miami), Dr. Griffith.

What message would you like to give young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, about the importance of persistence and dreaming big in STEM?
If you want change, you must take action to account for it. No matter your current situation, you can succeed because our ancestors succeeded in far worse conditions.