Students engaging in hands-on learning in the life sciences and business program at ASU.
Arizona State University has announced the launch of the McKenna Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship Program set for Fall 2026. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for professionals in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Funded by alumni Mark and Sheri McKenna, the program will allow students to earn dual degrees in finance and a natural science field, along with a certificate in entrepreneurship. It emphasizes hands-on learning through industry engagement and advanced technology, preparing future leaders for the evolving healthcare landscape.
Arizona State University (ASU) has announced the establishment of the McKenna Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship (MLSBE) Program, set to launch in fall 2026. This new initiative is designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the fields of life sciences and health care innovation.
The MLSBE Program is made possible through a generous contribution from ASU alumni Mark and Sheri McKenna, both graduates of the W. P. Carey School of Business in 2002. Their donation underscores the importance of integrating life sciences with business education to better prepare future leaders in health care.
Students enrolled in the MLSBE Program will have the opportunity to earn two bachelor’s degrees concurrently: one in finance and another in a chosen natural science discipline. Options for the natural science degree include biomedical sciences, data science, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or neuroscience. Additionally, participants will receive a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all achievable within four academic years.
The MLSBE Program places a strong emphasis on applying scientific knowledge and business acumen through a senior capstone project, where students tackle real-world challenges. In addition to classroom learning, the curriculum includes specialized coursework covering crucial topics such as the regulatory system, intellectual property, patents, and venture capital.
Students will benefit from enhanced learning experiences, including mentorships, internships, and research assistantships. The program will also facilitate interactions with industry leaders through networking events, corporate engagement trips to key life science hubs, and financial support for tailored career exploration during the students’ junior year. Comprehensive academic and career advising, peer mentorship opportunities, and co-curricular programs will be provided through ASU’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.
The MLSBE Program will leverage advanced technology for educational purposes, employing immersive virtual reality experiences through Dreamscape Learn’s NeoBio and NeoChem platforms to enhance the learning process.
Mark McKenna, a notable alumni and successful entrepreneur in the biotechnology sector, has held key positions, including leading Prometheus Biosciences to a $10.8 billion acquisition by Merck in 2023. He is also the founder and CEO of Mirador Therapeutics and is actively involved on boards of several biotech companies.
Kenro Kusumi, who serves as the senior vice provost and dean of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU, emphasizes the program’s critical role in equipping students with the necessary skills for the future of health care through a combination of scientific training and entrepreneurial insights.
The W. P. Carey School of Business, recognized as one of the largest and top-ranked business schools in the United States, boasts a strong reputation for research and a diverse student body. Meanwhile, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry, supporting the largest student population within ASU.
The McKenna Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship Program aims to create a robust academic framework that will effectively bridge the gap between life sciences and business education. For more information about the program, interested individuals can visit the MLSBE website.
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