Dr. Karnes' primary area of research interest is cardiovascular pharmacogenomics, specifically investigating the utility of genetic polymorphisms to predict toxicities of cardiovascular drugs. He employs a translational approach to investigate pharmacogenomic associations using observational studies, functional genomics techniques, and eventually prospective clinical trials. His ultimate career goal is to facilitate personalized cardiovascular medicine and genotype-guided prescribing to avoid serious cardiovascular drug toxicities.
Dr. Karnes received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Ancient Greek from the College of William and Mary. In 2004, he moved to Gainesville, FL to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Florida, which he completed in 2008. He remained at the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences. His graduate work focused on the pharmacogenomics of adverse metabolic effects of antihypertensive drugs under the mentorship of Drs. Julie Johnson and Rhonda Cooper-DeHoff. In August 2012, he began a research fellowship at Vanderbilt University under the mentorship of Dr. Dan Roden. At Vanderbilt, his research studies focused on cardiovascular pharmacogenomics and he served as the Jason D. Morrow Chief Fellow for the Division of Clinical Pharmacology. In September 2015, he joined the faculty at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in the Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science.
Dr. Karnes is an author on thirty one peer-reviewed manuscripts and thirty two abstracts presented at national and international meetings. He is active in multiple professional societies including the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. He is supported by an American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant and an American College of Clinical Pharmacy Research Institute’s Futures Award.