Kenneth E. Palmer was trained in genetics, molecular virology and biotechnology.  He was first appointed to the faculty in the School of Medicine in 2006 after working for 8 years in the biotechnology industry. He is currently Director of the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, which operates one of the USA's 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories.  Dr. Palmer's research interests focus on translational approaches to prevent and treat infectious diseases.  His laboratory has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of War.  He has led product development projects from laboratory discovery through preclinical testing and first in human clinical trials. Dr. Palmer is one of the only investigators at the University of Louisville who has sponsored an Investigational New Drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration, and thus brings unique expertise in clinical and translational research.

Kenneth is committed to supporting training and professional development of students, staff and faculty. He is Associate Dean for Research in the School of Medicine, and Co-Directs the Professional Development Core of the Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center.  He is also Co-Director of the University of Louisville MD-PhD Program, and supports and mentors medical students who wish to become physician scientists through the Dean's Research Scholar and Distinction in Physician Scientist Development Track.