Since joining the University of Idaho in 2006, where he is now professor of plant virology, Karasev has developed a research program focused on viruses of potato in the Pacific Northwest. A major emphasis of this research is on potato virus Y (PVY), a main virus affecting the potato industry. Karasev’s research over the past 14 years focused on understanding interactions between plant viruses and their hosts, and how resistance genes are driving virus evolution. His current efforts are focused on identification of new sources of resistance to PVY and other potato viruses. He teaches the Plant Virology course at the University of Idaho.