Dr Karsten holds an LLD, an LLM in Tax Law, and an HDip in Tax Law. His research, development, and innovation interests include anti-corruption law, tax law, public fiscal accountability, international commercial and trade regulation, development and planning law, and environmental governance and accountability. His international research collaborations include participation in a Safe and Sustainable Cities project between North-West University and Humboldt University of Berlin, as well as serving as a researcher on the RPAFD–Royal Holloway, University of London project on public authorities and financial distress.

• Advocate of the High Court of South Africa (Legal Practice Council of South Africa) — Practising Advocate Roll, Member No. 53223 (2010 – Present)

• Member, Gauteng Society of Advocates (2018 – Present)

• Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA®), South African Institute of Taxation (2012 – Present)

• Member, Emfuleni Land Tribunal (2000 – 2016)

• Registrar, Emfuleni Land Appeal Authority (Spatial Planning, Land Use and Development Appeal Authority) (2018 – 2023)

• Collaborator, Safe and Sustainable Cities Project (North-West University, South Africa & Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany) (2016 – 2018)

• Researcher/Team Member, Research Network on Public Authorities and Financial Distress (RPAFD) — Royal Holloway, University of London research project (2023 – Present)