Harrison was born and raised in the small city of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He travelled all the way to the University of Guelph in the south end of the city, where he pursued his B.Sc. in Biological & Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He first joined the world of research in the group of Prof. Kathryn Preuss as a fourth-year research project student, working on the development of 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical ligands. He also received an NSERC USRA to join the research group of Prof. Marcel Schlaf (also at the University of Guelph) to synthesize Ru-based catalysts for the conversion of biomass to useable fuels. After completing his time at Guelph, he travelled across the country to Victoria to pursue graduate studies as a member of the Manners group. Outside of the lab, he enjoys golf, baseball, video games, and exploring new places.