Berge's technical interests include process metallurgy as applied to manufacturing, including failure analysis, characterization of microstructures, and materials selection. His academic specialty and background led him to be an expert in steels, ferrous metallurgy and failure analysis, and he is highly sought out by Iowa companies to provide expertise in these areas.

Berge is an AWS Certified Welding Inspector and heads the welding program for the Ames Laboratory. He has been an author on six scientific publications and holds one patent. Berge is a member of ASM International and the American Welding Society and is a past chairman of the Central Iowa Chapter of ASM International. He is the 2002 recipient of the Lloyd E. Anderson Superior Service to Industry Award and co-recipient of the 2000 Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership Service Provider Impact Award.