Karsten Liber

Karsten Liber is the Executive Director of the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan, holding the title of University of Saskatchewan Distinguished Professor. His research focuses on aquatic ecotoxicology, water quality assessment, and sediment contamination impacts on ecosystems. He has extensive expertise in mining impacts, pesticide ecotoxicology, and the application of autonomous sensor systems for environmental monitoring.

Dr. Liber earned a PhD in Environmental Biology (Aquatic Ecotoxicology) and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, both from the University of Guelph. His work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and advanced modeling to address environmental challenges in industrial regions like the Alberta oil sands and northern Saskatchewan uranium operations.

His research interests include:

• Metals bioavailability and toxicity in aquatic environments
• Derivation of water quality guidelines using sensor technologies
• Effects of pesticides on freshwater organisms
• Selenium dynamics in food webs

Recent studies highlight his work on Chironomus dilutus toxicity thresholds, oil sands pit lake reclamation, and machine learning applications in environmental risk assessment. His 2025 review on neonicotinoid contamination underscores global concerns over pesticide impacts on aquatic invertebrates.

• Key award: University of Saskatchewan Distinguished Professor (202X)
• Grants: Multiple NSERC and industry-funded projects on ecotoxicological risk assessment

Liber leads SENS's interdisciplinary research teams, focusing on climate change resilience and sustainable water management through initiatives like the Prairie Water project. His lab develops innovative sensor technologies for real-time environmental monitoring in industrially impacted regions.