BIOGRAPHY
Brendan McKernan has spent his career perfecting operational excellence within the life science and clinical diagnostic industries, always with a keen attention to detail that defines Medicinal Genomics’s approach to product quality. As a driving force within the company, Brendan’s leadership ensures that Medicinal Genomics delivers some of the finest cannabis genomics products in the world.
Throughout his career, Brendan has had the privilege of working alongside leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. His collaborative efforts have been instrumental in the success of companies like Agencourt Bioscience, Agencourt Personal Genomics, Courtagen Life Sciences, and Medicinal Genomics. This breadth of experience has allowed Brendan to develop a deep understanding of the life sciences field, always with a focus on improving operational practices to ensure top-tier product delivery.
Brendan holds a B.S. in Management Science from Muhlenberg College and an MBA from Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management, where he earned the prestigious Delmar W. Karger Award for outstanding academic and leadership achievements. He was also named the William F. Glaser ’53 Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation. Brendan’s leadership extends beyond business ventures—he has served as Vice Chairman and Treasurer of Avon Old Farms School and has been a member of Boston Harbor Angels and Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management and Technology advisory board.
With his passion for precision and unwavering commitment to quality, Brendan McKernan continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the field of cannabis genomics and ensuring that Medicinal Genomics remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
ABOUT Medicinal Genomics
Medicinal Genomics uses cutting-edge genomics science to enhance the yield, safety, and quality of medicinal plants. As a leader in this field, the company’s expertise is vast and unparalleled. By analyzing medicinal plants at the genetic level, Medicinal Genomics provides a wide range of services, including breeding, testing, and research, all built upon the gold standard of life sciences. The company’s founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Kevin McKernan, formerly served as Research Director on the Human Genome Project at MIT and later became the first scientist to sequence the cannabis genome. Every aspect of the company’s work is deeply rooted in this legacy of scientific discovery and innovation.
Genomics is one of the most complex and advanced tools available for understanding the intricacies of life. By using genomics, Medicinal Genomics can offer unmatched insights into the genetic makeup of medicinal plants, providing the most detailed picture of how these plants function and how they can be used for health and wellness. This precise understanding allows the company to deliver results backed by rigorous research and grounded in proven science.
At Medicinal Genomics, the belief in the healing power of plants is not just theoretical—it is personal. The team has seen firsthand the positive effects of plant-based medicine on their own lives and those around them. However, the company also knows that for plant-based medicine to truly change lives, it must be supported by concrete evidence and held to the highest standards of scientific inquiry. Medicinal Genomics is committed to combining its passion for health with the power of genomics to build a new era of plant-based medicine—one that is rooted in fact, proven by research, and capable of transforming the way we think about healing and well-being.
