He earned a PhD in construction management from MSU and a Master of Environmental Studies degree from Yale University. Berghorn is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, and a Certified Green Professional from the National Association of Home Builders. He has worked on funded projects related to the feasibility of building deconstruction and material reuse, barriers to increasing mass timber building construction in the U.S., reuse of salvaged lumber in cross laminated timber, the role of construction activities in aquatic invasive species introduction and spread, building science education, and electric utility training. Prior to his career in higher education, Berghorn was a site superintendent and construction project manager in the U.S. and a policy director for a statewide trade association.