Ozarks Profile: Lisa C. Berger

What is your job?

President and owner, Consulting Analytical Services International Inc., 2804 E. Battlefield.

Tell us about your organization.

"We're an analytical testing laboratory, primarily, but that necessitates doing some consulting with our clients in order to know what they need to test for," Berger said. "We're involved in (the testing of) water, wastewater, hazardous waste identification, priority pollutants, toxics, sludges, soil anything you can think of that could be tested." She said most of the testing performed at CASI is for regulatory purposes and to assist clients with environmental compliance. Berger started CASI in 1979 with two partners who have since retired. The company provides contract services for municipalities, governmental agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources and private-sector clients that have permits to discharge waste into sanitary sewer systems or waterways. Berger is a biologist and employs a part-time chemist and two additional full-time employees at CASI.

What is your educational background?

Berger holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Drury University and a master's degree in resource planning from Southwest Missouri State University. Berger said she was able to tailor her master's degree, which she received in 1993, to fit the kind of work she does at CASI.

What led you to your current job?

"Right after college, I moved out of state for four and a half years, then moved back and started CASI when I was 27."

What is a challenge you face in your industry, and how do you overcome it?

"My primary responsibility is to provide quality data legally defensive and technically valid analytical results. Coupled with that, I also have to provide it in a timely manner. That's something that I am always working to do. The other challenge is that analytical testing is an inexact science; you do a lot of testing, and you still may not be able to give people the answers." Berger said she tries to keep costs down for clients as well as let potential clients know when they can utilize the services of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department for testing purposes.

Give us some personal information.

Berger is 48 and grew up in Springfield, graduating from Greenwood High School. She has two brothers and a sister and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking. A self-proclaimed homebody, Berger also enjoys reading spy novels, such as those by Craig Thomas. She is a member of the Water Environment Federation, Missouri Water Pollution Control Association, American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Laboratory Managers Association.

by Melissa Wilson