Meet Karl Bowles

Jacobs Senior Principal Environmental Scientist Karl Bowles specializes in characterizing and managing environmental chemical contamination and is known for influencing management practices and policy for emerging contaminants in Australia. 

He’s worked for government, environmental consultancies, research organizations and universities. His expertise spans environmental and analytical chemistry, ecological and human health risk assessment, science communication and more. This broad experience gives Karl unique perspectives on developing practical solutions that will be accepted by diverse stakeholders. He uses a rare combination of detailed technical knowledge and big picture thinking, not just to ask the right questions, but to solve them. 

Karl is a polymath. Over the years, he’s  explored several professions, including playing guitar, moving furniture and mixing ink colors. Even though these all vary drastically, there is one common theme: Karl does them well. However, thanks to a series of unexpected twists in his life, it’s applying science that became, and continues to be, his passion and that is Jacobs’ gain.  

Karl’s love of science has always combined a personal drive to do things well, with a keen desire to provide usable outcomes for clients. Even during his early research days, his projects were solving priority problems for industrial clients. This shaped his career and how he approaches his work.

After having worked in multiple end markets, Karl continues to be driven by the desire to be both a technical expert and a thought leader. He loves being on the boundaries of fields, such as science and communication, or science and regulatory policy. 

Karl hopes that his personal achievements will, in some small way, add to Jacobs’ position as a global leader in contaminant management. This is no truer than for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)  management, where Karl is one of Australia’s most experienced and knowledgeable practitioners. His experience in government and as a researcher makes him sought after by clients such as the Australian Department of Defence which he is currently working with as a consultant for its PFAS Investigation and Management Program.

Despite his passion for science, Karl has an active life outside of work, still occasionally playing gigs in an acoustic duo and working on home renovations.