[1] At the age of twelve or thirteen, his first independent business enterprise was building crystal radio sets, and in high school, chemistry became of interest.

Along with Vincent du Vigneaud, Harris made important discoveries in regards to similarities between the molecular geometry of human hair, insulin, and wool.

With the beginning of American involvement in World War II, Harris’ group began advising the United States Army Quartermaster Corps about textiles such as using Bedford cord.

They aided the research and redesign of sandbags, tent cloths, and chemical additives in military underwear used to protect soldiers from the effects of gas attacks.

[5] The school has an endowed professorship in his honor called the Milton Harris Chair Professor of Materials Science, which since 2006, has been held by Mas Subramanian.