With over three trillion animals killed annually across the globe, the moral crisis of industrial animal exploitation is beyond staggering. But Dr. Faraz Harsini, a biomedical scientist, immigrant, and passionate vegan advocate, is leading a bold, multi-pronged movement to rewrite the future. And it all starts on college campuses.
In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Dr. Harsini to unpack the deep intersections of animal advocacy, cutting-edge science, and youth empowerment.
From Biomedical Labs to Animal Liberation
Dr. Harsini’s academic background is as impressive as his activism. Holding a PhD in cell physiology and molecular biophysics, along with advanced degrees in chemical engineering and
biotechnology, he’s worked on everything from cancer research to COVID-19 treatments. Today, as a senior scientist at the Good Food Institute, he helps advance cruelty-free protein alternatives such as cultivated meat and plant-based innovations.
But it’s not just about replacing meat. For Dr. Harsini, science is a tool to dismantle oppressive systems, both for humans and animals.
“We are using centuries-old animal testing methods that no longer reflect scientific reality,” he explains. “Modern AI, computer modeling, and human-relevant testing offer safer, more effective alternatives, and we must invest in them.”
Why Animal Testing is Scientifically Obsolete
A major theme in this episode is the disconnect between current scientific capabilities and outdated practices like animal testing. Dr. Harsini highlights how technologies such as AI-generated protein modeling have leapfrogged ahead, rendering animal testing both unnecessary and unreliable.
“You can’t overcome the species barrier,” he states. “No matter how advanced animal models get, they will never accurately predict human biology.”
Instead, he advocates for shifting focus, and funding, toward advanced biophysical techniques, computational methods, and cruelty-free research.
Building the Animal Rights Movement Through Universities
At the heart of Dr. Harsini’s activism is Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), a nonprofit he founded to empower students to become leaders in animal advocacy.
With active chapters at 22 major universities, including Harvard, Ohio State, and Texas A&M, ASAP offers young people support, training, and resources to raise awareness and take action.
“Every major advocate, CEO, or thought leader in our space became vegan by accident,” says Harsini. “We can’t rely on chance anymore, we need to be intentional about creating the next generation of changemakers.”
Through ASAP, students engage in events like campus outreach, sanctuary visits, and plant-based education initiatives. The goal? Normalize compassion. Make veganism visible. And equip tomorrow’s professionals, doctors, lawyers, scientists, with the knowledge and conviction to build a more ethical world.
The Truth About Cultivated Meat
One of the most misunderstood innovations in the movement is cultivated meat, often mischaracterized as “lab-grown.” Dr. Harsini clears up the confusion.
“Cultivated meat isn’t science fiction,” he says. “It’s real animal cells grown in bioreactors, much like beer is brewed, without the cruelty, without the disease risk, and without environmental devastation.”
He believes cultivated meat, paired with plant-based foods and precision fermentation, offers the best shot at ending industrial animal agriculture.
Making Activism Scalable, Personal, and Unstoppable
Dr. Harsini knows that not everyone is a full-time advocate, and that’s okay. What matters is doing what you can, where you are.
“Whether you’re an artist, physician, or engineer, there’s a place for you in this movement,” he says. “It doesn’t take a massive team. Just one person refusing to give up can change everything.”
He also stresses the power of small donations. Like PETA, ASAP depends on individuals contributing what they can, $5, $10, even the price of a cup of coffee, to help fund outreach, student training, and organizational growth.
Final Words: Satisfaction Over Happiness
In closing, Dr. Harsini shares a message especially for young advocates:
“Pursue satisfaction, not happiness. It’s okay to feel heartbroken by what you see. But there’s nothing more meaningful you can do with your life than fight for animals.”
He adds, “Every conversation matters. You never know if your words are the spark that inspires the next Peter Singer, the next Rosa Parks, the next leader in the animal rights movement.”
Take Action
Visit alliedscholars.org to learn more, start a campus chapter, or make a donation. You can also connect with Dr. Faraz Harsini on Instagram @Dr.FarazHarsini and follow @AlliedScholars for student-led advocacy updates.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction.
[02:00] Leading the charge on college campuses.
[05:00] How it started for Dr. Harsini.
[06:30] Dr. Harsini is confronted with his own hypocrisy.
[09:30] There is so much to do to advocate for the animals.
[16:00] If factory farms had glass walls, we would all be vegan.
[20:00] The world is in trouble, but there is hope.
[23:00] It’s amazing what a small group of committed individuals can accomplish.
[26:30] The start of animal liberation.
[31:00] Dr. Harsini’s perspective on animal sanctuaries.
[33:00] Funding for ASAP is a challenge.
[36:30] Pursue purpose over happiness.
About Dr. Faraz
Dr. Faraz Harsini is a biomedical scientist and the CEO and founder of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), a non-profit that supports students who are interested in advocating for animal and environmental protection, public health, and pursuing careers that can make the most difference. With ASAP, he is leading the effort to build a comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure for animal advocacy in universities.
He is also a Senior Scientist at Good Food Institute, where he works on advancing scientific and technological methods to produce sustainable and cruelty-free proteins on a large scale.
Dr. Harsini’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a focus on process design and nanobiotechnology. He also has a Master’s degree in biotechnology and cancer research, as well as a PhD in Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics.
He has extensive experience in discovering and developing therapeutic proteins for diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, cancer, and inflammatory diseases in the biopharmaceutical industry as a Protein Expression and Process Development scientist. Today, he leverages this experience to scale up alternative proteins.
Dr. Harsini collaborates with organizations like Physicians Committee to promote advanced and human-relevant alternatives to animal testing that are better for humans and animals.
Additionally, he leverages his personal experiences as an immigrant, first-generation college student, and LGBT community member to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of human and animal oppression.
Dr. Harsini believes that the root cause of many global issues affecting humans and animals is linked to the food system. Therefore, he aims to change the food system and support students to become future leaders in animal protection through ASAP.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare
leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books—Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig—which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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