About
Karl Wurster is SkyTruth’s Chief Technology Officer where he leads the development of geospatial tools that help make hidden environmental threats visible, measurable, and actionable. Karl’s commitment to environmental problem-solving took root early, through undergraduate ecological research in Montana and years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia. These experiences propelled him onto a diverse and international career path over the past two decades spanning remote sensing, environmental governance, and digital transformation.
Prior to joining SkyTruth as CTO in 2026, Karl served for eighteen years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer with USAID, directing programs across Africa, Asia, and Europe focused on climate resilience, natural resource governance, digital infrastructure, and economic development. He has worked extensively with satellite data and geospatial analysis through initiatives such as USAID–NASA SERVIR, SilvaCarbon, and long-term conservation research collaborations, translating complex data into policy action and connecting global technical teams and products with local partners and stakeholders.
Karl holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in geography from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in biological sciences from Montana State University. He is also an adjunct lecturer at Gonzaga University and a research fellow with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.
