Richard Harris is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan.  His background is in basic science and clinical research in alternative medicine.  He received his B.S. degree in Genetics from Purdue University in 1992 and his Ph. D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UC Berkeley in 1997.  Following his graduate work, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at NIH studying the rhythmic properties of neural cultures.  He is a graduate of the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has received an MS degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis at the University of Michigan.  Dr. Harris is currently investigating mechanisms of acupuncture and acupressure in the treatment of chronic pain and fatigue conditions.  His recent investigations have focused on the role of central opioid receptors and brain neurotransmitters in acupuncture analgesia and chronic pain.  He is a member of the American Pain Society and a co-President for the Society for Acupuncture Research.  He serves as Associate Editor of and Scientific Advisor for the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, and is an ad hoc reviewer for several other scientific publications.