Karen Jones

Professor Karen Jones

Prof Res Fellow (E)

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Prof Jones is a career researcher with a background in medical imaging. She was the first nuclear medicine technologist to be awarded a PhD in Australia. Her research activities have capitalised on the development of state-of-the-art imaging techniques to evaluate gastric motor function and blood flow; this development has been facilitated by the involvement of a number of international collaborators. Her research area is in the under-recognised field of postprandial hypotension, a substantial fall in blood pressure that occurs within 2 hours of a meal, which is frequently seen in older people and patients with type 2 diabetes. She has had an ongoing involvement with the pharmaceutical industry and she has been responsible for several investigator-initiated trials. Prof Jones was the top nuclear medicine student in her graduating year at the University of South Australia and has been the recipient of several awards including the ANSTO award for nuclear medicine scientists, Hanson Institute New Investigator award for clinical research and a prestigious NHMRC Achievement Award. Prof Jones has supervised 21 Honours, 12 PhD, and 4 Masters students to completion and is a supervisor of 4 current PhD students. She is an author of 224 original papers, 69 reviews/editorials, 18 letters and 13 book chapters. She has an h-index of 79 and her work has been cited ~20,000 times (Google Scholar).

Research Interests

Prof Jones leads a clinical research group, within the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health, focusing on postprandial hypotension (PPH) – an important disorder characterised by a substantial fall in blood pressure after meals which has received inappropriately little attention. This is despite the fact that one of the main causes of injury in Australia relates to falls, and injury prevention remains a National Health Priority Area. PPH occurs very frequently in older subjects and people who have diabetes. The prevalence of PPH in ‘healthy’ older subjects is ~20%, ~40% in nursing home residents, ~50% in hospitalised geriatric patients and ~40% in type 2 diabetes. PPH is associated with a number of sequelae which impact adversely on quality of life, particularly fainting leading to falls, stroke and angina, as well as increased mortality.

Management of PPH is currently suboptimal, at least in part because the pathophysiology has been poorly defined (1). A postprandial fall in blood pressure is indicative of inadequate cardiovascular compensation for meal-induced blood pooling in the gut. In the healthy young, meal ingestion is not associated with a major change in blood pressure, despite a comparable increase in gut blood flow in healthy older, subjects. In most cases, there is probably not a single aetiological factor in PPH and multiple factors are likely to be involved (Figure). Prof Jones' research has shown that the magnitude of the fall in blood pressure is related to the rate of stomach emptying and that distending the stomach attenuates the fall in blood pressure. More recently, the so-called incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), released by the gut have been shown to be important in blood pressure regulation after a meal. PPH can, therefore, be regarded broadly as a gastrointestinal disorder. Prof Jones’ research focuses on translation of recent insights relating to the causes of PPH into specific and effective management strategies to thereby improve health outcomes.

Project 1

Title: Effect of exenatide BID on small intestinal transit, absorption, glycaemia and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes.

Description: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are now used widely for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Based on their plasma half-lives, GLP-1RAs can be ‘short-acting’ (e.g. exenatide BID, injected twice daily) or ‘long-acting’ (e.g. exenatide QW, injected once weekly). Short-acting GLP-1RAs reduce blood sugar (glucose) levels predominantly after a meal, whereas, long-acting GLP-1RAs particularly target fasting blood glucose. The lowering of blood glucose levels by short-acting GLP-1RAs is generally thought to be via their marked effect to slow the rate of stomach emptying. However, there is recent evidence that changes in the rate of small bowel transit and  nutrient absorption may also be important. GLP-1RAs may also benefit people in whom there is a substantial fall in blood pressure (BP) after a meal, so-called ‘postprandial hypotension’ (PPH). PPH occurs frequently (~25-40%) in T2DM and may lead to fainting, falls and is an independent risk factor for death. The aim of the proposed research study is to determine, in people with T2DM, the effect of the short-acting GLP-1RA, exenatide BID, on small bowel transit, glucose absorption and BP after direct infusion of a glucose solution into the small bowel.

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: AHMS Building

Research Project Start: Sem 1 and Sem 2

Special requirements: Nil

Professor Jones with members of the NHMRC CRE in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health (left) and Mechanisms of postprandial hypotension (right)

  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2019 - 2019 William T Southcott Research Fellow in Nuclear Medicine University of Adelaide
    2017 - ongoing Beacon Research Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2016 - ongoing Adjunct Professor University of South Australia
    2010 - 2016 NHMRC Senior Career Development Award Fellow University of Adelaide
    2008 - 2009 Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    2003 - 2008 NHMRC/Diabetes Australia Career Development Award Fellow University of Adelaide
    1999 - 2002 Dr Paul Janssen Senior Lectureship Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    1998 - 1999 Research Officer Royal Adelaide Hospital
    1997 - 1998 Lecturer University of South Australia
    1992 - 1997 Research Assistant Royal Adelaide Hospital
    1992 - 1996 Tutor University of South Australia
    1991 - 1995 Nuclear Medicine Technologist Flinders Medical Centre
  • Awards and Achievements

    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2010 Award Recipient of a NHMRC Achievement Award NHMRC Australia -
    2010 Award Recipient of a NHMRC Senior Clinical Career Development Award NHMRC Australia -
    2003 Award Recipient of a NHMRC/Diabetes Australia Career Development Award NHMRC/Diabetes Australia Australia -
    2003 Research Award Recipient of the Hanson Institute New Investigator Award for Clinical Research Hanson Institute Australia -
    2002 Award Recipient of a Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Australia Travel Award Juvenile Diabetes Foundation - -
    1999 Award Recipient of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Award ANSTO Australia -
    1999 Award Recipient of the Abbott Laboratories / Roche Products Gastroenterological Society of Australia Travel Award - Australia -
    1991 Award Top Graduating Nuclear Medicine student University of South Australia Australia -
    1991 Award Top Graduating Nuclear Medicine student in South Australia ANZSNM (SA Branch) Australia -
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    1998 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    1991 University of South Australia Australia Dip App Sci (Nuclear Medicine)
  • Postgraduate Training

    Date Title Institution Country
    1993 - 1997 PhD University of Adelaide Australia
  • Certifications

    Date Title Institution name Country
    2012 Medical Radiation Practitioner - Nuclear Medicine Technologist AHPRA Australia
    1991 Radiation Licence - 12535 Environmental Protection Agency Australia
  • Research Interests

Research Fellowships
2019 - 2021 KL Jones – The University of Adelaide, William T Southcott Senior Research Fellowship in Nuclear Medicine $710,142
2017 KL Jones. - University of Adelaide - Beacon Mid-Career Research Fellowship - Postprandial hypotension - mechanisms and approaches to management.  $192,130
2010 - 2016 KL Jones - NHMRC Senior Career Development Award (Level 2) - NHMRC - 627011 - Project title: Gastric, small intestinal and cardiovascular mechanisms of postprandial hypotension in the elderly $417,000
2003 - 2008 KL Jones - NHMRC/Diabetes Australia Career Development Award - 250453 - Project title: Gastroduodenal motility and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus $417,500
1999 - 2002 KL Jones - Dr Paul Janssen Senior Lectureship - Clinical Research Fellowship $400,000
Research Grants
Current grants:
2018 - 2021 T Wu, C Rayner, KL Jones - NHMRC Project Grant: APP1147333 - Project title: Bitter taste as a mediator of food intake and postprandial glycaemia in health and type 2 diabetes. $725,276
2018 - 2021 M Chapman, A Deane, S Soenen, L van Loon, KL Jones - NHMRC Project Grant: APP11404496 - Project title: Protein absorption and kinetics in critical illness.  $1,200,000
2019 - 2021 C Rayner, J Holst - NHMRC Project Grant: APP1163910 - Project title: GIP actions in health and disease – human studies using a novel GIP antagonist.  $1,535,788
2021 I Kouw, L Chapple, M Summers, M Chapman, KL Jones, M Horowitz. Diabetes Australia Research Program General Grant – Project Title: The effect of enteral feeding pattern on glycaemic control and gastrointestinal function in critically ill patients $60,000
2021 M Horowitz, M Chapman, M Plummer, KL Jones, CK Rayner, A Deane. Diabetes Australia Research Program General Grant – Project Title: Management of critical illness-induced ('stress') hyperglycaemia with native glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) $60,000
2021 T Wu, CK Rayner, KL Jones, RL Young, M Horowitz. Diabetes Australia Research Program General Grant – Project Title: More or less? Bile acids and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. $60,000
Previous grants:
2020 T Wu, C Rayner, Phillips L, KL Jones, M Horowitz – Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Grant - Project title: Effects of endogenous bile acids on postprandial glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes, and the impact of the small intestinal region exposed. $59,970
2019 M Horowitz, KL Jones, A Deane, C Marathe, M Nauck – Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation Near Miss Grant - Project title: Effect of GLP-1RAs on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.  $49,950
2019 L Phillips, C Rayner, T Wu, KL Jones, M Horowitz - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Effects of acute and sub-acute treatment with metformin on cardiovascular responses to a glucose challenge in type 2 diabetes.  $49,998
2019 KL Jones, L Phillips, C Rayner, T Wu, M Horowitz - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Effect of exenatide BID on small intestinal transit, absorption, glycaemia and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes $49,859
2019 T Wu, C Rayner, KL Jones, M Horowitz – Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Grant - Project title: Role of bile acids in glucose lowering by metformin $59,991
2019 KL Jones, L Phillips, T Wu, C Marathe, M Horowitz, C Rayner – Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Grant - Project title: Effect of exenatide once weekly on gastric emptying of, and the postprandial glycaemic and cardiovascular responses to, an oral glucose load in type 2 diabetes.   $59,872
2018 - 2019 KL Jones, M Horowitz, C Rayner, R Visvanathan, T Wu – Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation Near Miss Grant - Project title: Mechanisms and management of postprandial hypotension.  $50,000
2018 - 2019 KL Jones – Gum Bequest – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Project title: Establishing the potential of the short-acting GLP-1 agonist, exenatide, as a treatment for postprandial hypotension.  $40,000
2018 - 2019 KL Jones, C Rayner, T Wu, D Bartholomeusz, M Horowitz, S Veedfald, JJ Holst, M Rosenkilde, C Deacon; - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Role of endogenous glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the gastric emptying, glycaemia, splanchnic blood flow and blood pressure responses to oral glucose in healthy older subjects.  $49,472
2018 KL Jones, M Chapman, M Horowitz L Chapple, C Marathe – The Hospital Research Foundation - Project title: Digirad/ERGO Portable Gamma Camera for the scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying in ‘high-risk’ clinical research.  $150,000
2018 KL Jones, M Chapman, M Horowitz L Chapple, C Marathe – The Ian Potter Foundation - Project title: Digirad/ERGO Portable Gamma Camera for the scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying in ‘high-risk’ clinical research.  $200,000
2018 KL Jones, - The Hospital Research Foundation Travel Award.  $3000
2018 KL Jones, M Chapman, M Horowitz L Chapple, C Marathe – University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (2018 Research Infrastructure Funding Award) - Project title: Digirad/ERGO Portable Gamma Camera for the scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying in ‘high-risk’ clinical research.   $136,784
2018 L Chapple, M Chapman, M Summers, KL Jones, A Deane – Project Title - Aspen Rhoads Research Foundation - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: The effect of standard versus energy dense feeds on gastric emptying and glucose metabolism in critically ill patients.  $31,755
2018 CS Marathe, M Chapman, KL Jones, A Deane, P Kar, M Horowitz, C Rayner; - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Do short acting glucagon-like receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) attenuate the 'gastric' counter-regulatory response to hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes?  $49,935
2017 - 2018 T Wu, C Rayner, KL Jones – University of Adelaide - ECR Mentored Project Grant - Project title: Nutrient-gut interactions and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.  $15,000
2017 - 2018 F Grutzner, D Keating, M Horowitz, P Sexton, D Wooten, A Page, KL Jones, C Rayner, G Rychkov - Medvet Science Research Grant - Project title: Analysis of novel monotreme GLP-1 based receptor agonists for use in metabolic disorder treatment $200,000
2012 - 2018 M Horowitz, G Wittert, P Clifton, C Rayner, I Chapman, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones, M Noakes, M Chapman, N Nguyen - NHMRC - CRE Grant: 1041687 - Project title: Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health $2,500,000
2017 L Phillips, C Rayner, N Nguyen, KL Jones, M Horowitz. - DART - Project title: Impact of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy on gastric emptying, gut hormone, and glycemic responses to a meal in type 2 diabetes. $60,023
2017 M Horowitz, C Rayner, KL Jones, C Feinle-Bisset, M Chapman, A Deane. - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of gut hormones involved in regulating gastric emptying, intestinal transit, blood glucose concentrations and appetite. $25,000
2017 KL Jones, L Phillips, C Rayner, A Deane. - University of Adelaide, School of Medicine - RIBG Equipment Grant - Project title: Mechanisms and management of postprandial hypotension. $7200
2017 CK Rayner, M Horowitz, KL Jones, A Deane. - University of Adelaide, School of Medicine - RIBG Equipment Grant - Project title: Upper gastrointestinal motility and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and the critically ill. $38,040
2017 Y Ali Abdelhamid, KL Jones, M Horowitz, P Kar, L Phillips, T Nguyen, A Deane; - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - RAH2163 - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Prevalence, mechanisms and impact of postprandial hypotension in elderly survivors of critical illness. $49,208
2017 KL Jones, T Kimber, L Phillips, C Rayner; - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - RAH2168 - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Acute effects of dopaminergic therapy with levodopa/carbidopa on the gastric emptying, blood pressure and superior mesenteric artery blood flow responses to oral glucose in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. $30,000
2017 JE Stevens, KL Jones, C Rayner, P Kar, A Deane, M Horowitz; - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - RAH2169 - Clinical Project Grant - Project title: Acute hypoglycaemia and gastric emptying – ‘dose response’ and impact on oral drug absorption. $30,000
2017 KL Jones, M Horowitz, CK Rayner S Soenen, R Visvanathan - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - RAH2182 - NHMRC Near miss grant - Project title: Postprandial hypotension – approaches to management. $57,205
2017 M Chapman, A Deane, S Soenen, L van Loon, KL Jones - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - RAH2181 - NHMRC Near miss grant - Project title: Protein absorption and kinetics in critical illness. $57,205
2014 - 2017 KL Jones - NHMRC - 1066835 - Project title: Protein “preloads” to improve postprandial glycaemia in type 2 diabetes $603,447
2014 - 2017 CK Rayner, P Clifton, M Horowitz, KL Jones - NHMRC - 1066835 - Project title: Protein “preloads” to improve postprandial glycaemia in type 2 diabetes $603,447
2016 L Phillips, M Horowitz, C Rayner, KL Jones; Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - 2122 - Project title: A longitudinal study: does rapid gastric emptying increase the risk of type 2 diabetes? $50,113
2016 KL Jones, M Horowitz, CK Rayner S Soenen, R Visvanathan - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - 2140 - NHMRC Near miss grant - Project title: Postprandial hypotension – gastrointestinal mechanisms and management. $50,000
2016 KL Jones - University of Adelaide – Dependant Travel Grant. $1000
2015 - 2016 KL Jones, T Wu, CK Rayner  - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - 1766 - Project title: Effects of DPP-4 inhibition with sitagliptin on postprandial blood pressure, glycaemia and incretin hormones in type 2 diabetes – relationship to gastric emptying. $47,700
2015 - 2016 KL Jones, S Soenen, CK Rayner - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - 2027 - NHMRC Near miss grant - Project title: Postprandial hypotension – gastrointestinal mechanisms and management. $50,000
2010 - 2016 KL Jones - NHMRC Senior Career Development Award (Level 2) - NHMRC - 627011 - Project title: Gastric, small intestinal and cardiovascular mechanisms of postprandial hypotension in the elderly $417,000
2015 M Plummer, A Deane, KL Jones, T Hausken. Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Project title: The effect of critical illness on gallbladder motility, lipid absorption and plasma cholecystokinin concentrations. $49,565
2014 J Stevens, KL Jones - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Project title: Comparative effects of low-carbohydrate-, full-strength- and low-alcohol beer on gastric emptying, alcohol absorption, glycaemia and insulinaemia in health and diabetes $41,064
2012 - 2014 M Chapman, N Nguyen, M Horowitz, C Rayner, KL Jones, A Deane A - NHMRC - Project title: Optimising nutrient delivery and absorption in critically ill patients $542,500
2013 KL Jones, T Kimber, M Horowitz - Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Foundation - Project title: Postprandial hypotension in Parkinson's Disease - impact of gastric emptying and splanchnic blood flow $49,989
2013 CK Rayner, M Horowitz, KL Jones – Gum Bequest: Endocrine & Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital – Project title: Effects of 5 weeks resveratrol supplementation on GLP-1 secretion, gastric emptying, and postprandial glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes $40,000
2010 - 2013 KL Jones, D Gentilcore, R Visvanathan, I Chapman, C Rayner, M Horowitz - NHMRC - 627189 - Project title: Gastric, small intestinal and cardiovascular mechanisms of postprandial hypotension $676,500
2012 M Horowitz, C Rayner, KL Jones, A Deane - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation Ltd - Project title: Measurement of glucose in blood or plasma ($22,000) $22,000
2010 - 2012 CK Rayner, M Horowitz, KL Jones, C Feinle-Bisset  - NHMRC - 627139 - Project title: Upper gastrointestinal function and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus ($753,500) $753,500
2011 M Horowitz, KL Jones, D Gentilcore, CK Rayner - Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow in patients with diabetes with and without postprandial hypotension $22,000
2011 KL Jones, D Gentilcore, R Visvanathan, IM Chapman, CK Rayner, A Deane, M Horowitz – Hanson Institute, Royal Adelaide Hospital Equipment Grant - Project title: Assessment of splanchnic blood flow in humans $65,000
2011 G Wittert, M Horowitz, I Chapman, C Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones, L Heilbronn, E Beckett - NHMRC Equipment Grant - Project title: Studies in Nutritional Physiology and Related Diseases $25,000
2009 - 2011 C Feinle-Bisset, M Horowitz, PM Clifton, KL Jones, CK Rayner - NHMRC - 565311 - Project title: Effects of the fatty acid, lauric acid, on energy intake, and gut motor and hormonal function in health and obesity $714,000
2009 - 2011 C Feinle-Bisset, PM Clifton, M Horowitz, KL Jones, GA Wittert - NHMRC - 565312 - Project title: Modifications in energy intake and gastrointestinal regulation of appetite - implications for weight loss in obesity $714,000
2007 - 2011 M Horowitz, PM Clifton, GA Wittert, IM Chapman, Fraser RJ, CK Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones - NHMRC - 453557 - Project title: CCRE in Nutritional Physiology, Interventions and Outcomes $2,000,000
2010 KL Jones, Horowitz M, Chapman IM, Feinle-Bisset C, Rayner CK, Clifton PM, Sanders P, Wittert G, Fraser R, Atlantis E - NHMRC Equipment Grant - 640305 - Project title: Measurement of autonomic nerve function in patients with diabetes, obesity, the elderly, atrial fibrillation and the critically ill $34,000
2010 KL Jones, Horowitz M, Chapman IM, Feinle-Bisset C, Rayner CK, Clifton PM, Sanders P, Wittert G, Fraser R, Atlantis E - University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health Science - Project title: Measurement of autonomic nerve function in patients with diabetes, obesity, the elderly, atrial fibrillation and the critically ill $6,000
2010 M Horowitz, KL Jones, CK Rayner - Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of blood pressure in patients with diabetes with or without postprandial hypotension $20,000
2009 M Horowitz, C Rayner, P Clifton, KL Jones, C Feinle-Bisset, G Wittert - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in diabetes $20,000
2009 M Horowitz, R Fraser, KL Jones, C Rayner - Vera Ramaciotti Research Foundation - Project title: Equipment grant for a Portable Scintillation Camera (Digirad 2020tc) $30,000
2007 - 2009 KL Jones, M Horowitz, IM Chapman, C Feinle-Bisset, CK Rayner - NHMRC - 453650 - Project title: Pathophysiology of postprandial hypotension in the elderly - role of "gastric" and "small intestinal" mechanisms $450,813
2007 - 2009 M Horowitz, KL Jones, CK Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, AJPM Smout, M Samsom - NHMRC - 453647 - Project title: Upper gastrointestinal motility and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus $552,000
2008 M Horowitz, KL Jones, D Gentilcore, C Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of autonomic nerve function in patients with or without postprandial hypotension $20,000
2008 D Gentilcore, KL Jones, M Horowitz, C Rayner - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: Effects of the oligosaccharide, alpha - cyclodextrin, on postprandial blood pressure in healthy older subjects – relationships to gastric emptying, glycaemia and superior mesenteric blood flow $15,000
2008 C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones, M Horowitz - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: Characterisation of day-to-day variations in energy intake in healthy men and women, and the effect of the menstrual cycle in women - relationships with gastric emptying, intragastric meal distribution and gastrointestinal and reproductive hormones ($15,000) $15,000
2008 CK Rayner, R Fraser, M Horowitz, G Wittert, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones, P Clifton - University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health Science - Project title: Equipment for concurrent impedence, manometry and barostat recordings in nutritional physiology studies $10,000
2008 CK Rayner, R Fraser, M Horowitz, G Wittert, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones, P Clifton, - NHMRC - 520946 - Project title: Equipment for concurrent impedence, manometry and barostat recordings in nutritional physiology studies $42,000
2007 M Horowitz, PM Clifton, GA Wittert, IM Chapman, Fraser RJ, CK Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, KL Jones - Diabetes Australia Research Trust - Project title: Acute and chronic effects of a high- and low-fat ‘preloads’ on gastric emptying, glycaemia, gastrointestinal hormones and energy intake in type 2 diabetes - a preliminary study $50,000
2007 M Horowitz, KL Jones, P Clifton, C Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, I Chapman - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of resting energy expenditure in diabetes $20,000
2007 M Chapman, A Deane, RJ Fraser, KL Jones, RH Holloway, M Horowitz - Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists - Project title: Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucose levels and small intestinal transit in critically ill patients. $39.961
2005 - 2007 R Fraser, R Holloway, R Young R, K Jones - NHMRC - 349329 - Project title: Oesophageal, gastric and small intestinal motility in critical illness $489,000
2006 M Horowitz, C Rayner, C Feinle-Bisset, K Jones - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Measurement of stomach and small intestinal motility in diabetes $18,000
2006 KL Jones, M Horowitz, I Chapman - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: Pathophysiology of postprandial hypotension in the elderly - role of “small intestinal” and “gastric” mechanisms $20,000
2005 M Horowitz, K Jones, C Feinle-Bisset, C Rayner, J Wishart, H Morris - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Evaluation of gastrointestinal hormone function in diabetes mellitus $14,235
2003 - 2005 M Horowitz, K Jones, C Feinle, M Samsom, A Smout - NHMRC – 250335 - Project title: Gastroduodenal motility and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus $443,850
2003 - 2005 C Feinle, M Horowitz, N Talley, K Jones - NHMRC - 242802 - Project title: Dietary habits and gastric motor function in functional dyspepsia $223,500
2004 M Horowitz, C Feinle-Bisset, C Rayner, K Jones - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Evaluation of gastric and small intestinal motility in diabetes mellitus $16,000
2002 - 2004 R Fraser, J Dent, M Horowitz, R Holloway, R Young, K Jones - NHMRC- 207753 - Project title: Upper gastrointestinal motor and absorptive function in critically ill patients $258,699
2003 M Horowitz, K Jones, C Feinle, D O’Donovan - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Relationships between gastric motility and gastrointestinal symptoms with glucose control in diabetes $9,178
2003 T Buckland, K Dunstan, S Guha, I Chapman, K Jones, J von der Borsch, M Hargreaves, K Simpson, D Torpy, N Talley, Harvey, M Horowitz - Novo Nordisk Regional Diabetes Support Scheme - Project title: Relationships between gastrointestinal symptoms and glycaemic control in diabetes - impact on intensive insulin stabilisation clinic $4,000
2003 M Horowitz, KL Jones, IM Chapman, C Feinle - NHMRC - 219354 (Equipment Grant) - Project title: Equipment for 3D ultrasound $60,000
2003 M Horowitz, KL Jones, IM Chapman, C Feinle - University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health Science - Project title: Equipment for 3D ultrasound $20,000
2002 M Horowitz, K Jones, C Feinle, D O’Donovan, P Clifton - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Evaluation of transpyloric flow in diabetes mellitus $16,000
2002 K Jones - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Travel Grant $2,000
2000 - 2002 M Horowitz, KL Jones, R Fraser, J Dent - NHMRC - 104812 - Project title: Gastric motility and blood glucose control in diabetes mellitus $342,174
2001 M Horowitz, K Jones, D O’Donovan, C Feinle, N Talley - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Evaluation of autonomic nerve function in diabetes mellitus $16,000
2001 D O’Donovan, C Feinle, K Jones, I Chapman, M Horowitz - Novo Nordisk Regional Diabetes Support Scheme - Project title: Modulation of postprandial hyperglycaemia by fat in type 2 diabetes $8,050
2001 D O’Donovan, C Feinle, K Jones, I Chapman, M Horowitz - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: Modulation of postprandial hyperglycaemia by fat in normal subjects and type 2 diabetes $15,000
2001 M Chapman, D Bartholomeusz, R Fraser, M Horowitz, K Jones, R Young - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: The effect of timing of the initiation of enteral feeding on gastric emptying and glucose absorption in critically ill patients $15,000
2001 R Fraser, J Dent, M Horowitz, R Young, K Jones, R Holloway - University of Adelaide B1 Grant - Project title: Upper gastrointestinal motor and absorptive function in critically ill patients $12,000
2000 M Horowitz, R Fraser, J Dent, K Jones - Rebecca Cooper Medical Research Foundation - Project title: Evaluation of gastric motility in diabetes mellitus $11,815
1999 K Jones - University of Adelaide B3 Seeding Grant - Project title: Effect of the blood glucose concentration on gastric emptying in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus $10,000
1999 K Jones, M Horowitz - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Project title: Effect of hypoglycaemia on gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus $4,000
1999 K Jones, M Horowitz, A Tonkin - Royal Adelaide Hospital Project Grant - Project title: Pathophysiology of postprandial hypotension in older subjects; role of gastrointestinal mechanisms $10,000
1999 K Jones, M Horowitz - Novo Nordisk Regional Diabetes Support Scheme - Project title: The effect of hyperglycaemia on the gastrokinetic effect of cisapride in normal subjects and patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus $2,000
1999 K Jones - Abbott Laboratories/Roche Products Gastroenterological Society of Australia $5,000
1998 K Jones, M Horowitz, I Chapman, M Guha - Novo Nordisk Regional Diabetes Support Scheme - Project title: The effect of guar gum on postprandial blood pressure in patients with non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus $3,150
1997 K Jones, M Horowitz - Small Faculty Grant, University of South Australia - Project title: Role of oral technegas as a new radiopharmaceutical to measure gastric emptying $3,107
1997 P Newell, K Jones - Small Faculty Grant, University of South Australia - Project title: The instructional effectiveness of on-line delivered image evaluation vs traditional tutorials on second year medical radiation student learning outcomes $2,550
Teaching

Subsequent to her graduation in 1991, Prof Jones was responsible for supervising nuclear medicine techniques and clinical practice to year 1 - 3 nuclear medicine students at the Department of Medical Imaging, Flinders Medical Centre.  Between 1992 - 1996 and May - December 1998, she worked at the University of South Australia as a tutor and Visiting Lecturer to undergraduate Nuclear Medicine students.  This role necessitated the preparation of lecture notes and film reviews. From February 1997 - April 1998, Prof Jones was employed as a full-time Lecturer in Medical Radiation.  Her responsibilities included coordination of the Honours Degree in Medical Radiation and Thesis components of the Masters Degree in Applied Science.  During this time she supervised several research degree students.  She was also involved in the undergraduate programme (Problem Based Learning), facilitating tutorials for both the second and third year Nuclear Medicine students.  In 1997 and 1998 Prof Jones was involved in an external postgraduate research subject, ‘Processes and Practices of Research’, for the Schools of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Medical Radiation, which required facilitating audio-conferences and marking assignments for students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma and Masters programmes.  She has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia since 2016 where she teaches in the nuclear medicine undergraduate programme and supervises research students. From 2008 she has been involved in medical student selection, University of Adelaide and from 2009-2012 and since 2018, Prof Jones has been a Postgraduate Co-ordinator for PhD students in the Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide.  She plays an active role in mentorship for past students and early-mid career researchers and has supervised 23 honours, 17 PhD, and 4 Masters students; 4 are current PhD students.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Co-Supervisor Autonomic neuropathy in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Elham Hosseini Marnani
    2022 Co-Supervisor Gastrointestinal function in type 2 diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Md Kamruzzaman
    2021 Co-Supervisor Characterisation of Gastrointestinal Recovery After General Surgery Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Joshua George Kovoor
    2019 Co-Supervisor Comparing molecular and physiological adaptations to specialised insectivory in mammals to improve management Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Michelle Emma Shaw
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2021 - 2024 Co-Supervisor Understanding the Relationship of Incretin Hormones, Gastric Emptying and the Glucoregulatory Responses to Nutrients Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Ryan Joseph Jalleh
    2019 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Physiological studies of whey protein in older people, with a focus on feeding behaviour, nutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and post prandial blood pressure Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Avneet Oberoi
    2016 - 2019 Principal Supervisor Natural History of Meal-Induced Changes in Blood Pressure, Gastric Emptying and Incretin Hormone Secretion and Approaches to the Management of Postprandial Hypotension Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Hung Thai Pham
    2014 - 2018 Co-Supervisor Hyperglycaemia in the Critically Ill Patient - Ideal Treatment and Impact of the Condition Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Palash Kar
    2011 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Gastric and Small Intestinal Determinants of Postprandial Blood Pressure and Glycaemia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Laurence Trahair
    2010 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Gastric Motor Function in Health and Diabetes - Implications for Incretin Hormone Release and Postprandial Blood Glucose Regulation Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Dr Jessica Lee Sing Chang
    2009 - 2013 Co-Supervisor Gastrointestinal motor and sensory function and hormone secretion - implications for postprandial blood glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time APrf Tongzhi Wu
    2007 - 2011 Principal Supervisor The role of gastric and small intestinal mechanisms in postprandial hypotension Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Lora Vanis
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Gastrointestinal motor function and glycaemic control in diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Jing Ma
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor Gastric and Small Intestinal Motor Function in Health and Disease - Implications for Glucose Absorption, Incretin Hormone Release, and Postprandial Blood Glucose Regulation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Paul Kuo
    2003 - 2007 Principal Supervisor Role of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Postprandial Blood Pressure Regulation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Diana Piscitelli
    2003 - 2007 Co-Supervisor Gastrointestinal Motility and Glycaemic Control in Diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Reawika Chaikomin
    2003 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Studies of Gastric Motility in Health and Diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Julie Eva Stevens
  • Committee Memberships

    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2019 - ongoing Director Federal Council ANZSNM Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM) Australia
    2018 - 2018 Member NHMRC Career Development Fellowship – Clinical assessment panel NHMRC Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member ANZSNM, Technologist Special Interest Group, Education Committee Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM) Australia
    2014 - 2014 Member NHMRC Career Development Fellowship – Clinical assessment panel - -
    2013 - 2013 Member NHMRC Career Development Fellowship – Clinical assessment panel - Australia
    2012 - 2012 Member NHMRC Career Development Fellowship – Clinical assessment panel - Australia
    2008 - 2008 Chair NHMRC Medical/Dental PhD Training Scholarship Committee - Australia
    2007 - 2007 Chair NHMRC Medical/Dental PhD Training Scholarship Committee - Australia
    2006 - ongoing Member Royal Adelaide Hospital Stage 4 Redevelopment Subcommittee for the RAHCCC - Australia
    2006 - 2006 Member NHMRC Medical/Dental PhD Training Scholarship Committee - Australia
    2005 - 2005 Member NHMRC Medical/Dental PhD Training Scholarship Committee - Australia
    2002 - 2010 Member Medical School, Yr 4/5 Research Curriculum Subcommittee University of Adelaide Australia
    2001 - 2007 Member RAHCCC Management Committee, Public Officer for the RAHCCC - Australia
    2000 - 2006 Member Australian Breastfeeding Association of Australia - Australia
    1999 - 2000 Member Working committee for the Annual ANZSNM meeting held in Adelaide. ANZSNM Australia
    1996 - 1996 Member Competency Based Standards Sub-committee for Nuclear Medicine technologists in Australia - Australia
    1995 - ongoing Member Working committee for Honours Degree in Medical Radiations University of South Australia Australia
    1994 - ongoing Member Working committee for Masters Degree in Medical Radiations University of South Australia Australia
  • Memberships

    Date Role Membership Country
    2004 - ongoing Member Associate Member Hanson Institute Australia
    1994 - 2000 Member Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) Australia
    1994 - 1998 Member American Society of Nuclear Medicine (ASM) United States
    1991 - ongoing Member Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM) Australia
    1991 - ongoing Member Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM)-Technologist Group Australia
  • Editorial Boards

    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2007 - 2010 Board Member The Open Geriatric Medicine Journal - United States
  • Position: Prof Res Fellow (E)
  • Phone: 83137821
  • Email: karen.jones@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, floor 5
  • Org Unit: Medical Specialties

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