People are the Chemistry

Environmental NEWS - Fall 2009

At Lancaster Laboratories, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, professional competence and hard work is the key element in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Lancaster Labs an industry leader.

nelson photo
Nelson Risser relaxes at the cabin he built.

Charged with setting up Lancaster Labs’ new Dioxin Testing Lab, environmental principal chemist Nelson Risser is challenged with validating a new Thermo Scientific high resolution gas chromatograph/high resolution mass spectrometer (HRGC/HRMS) and obtaining a dioxin testing certification. Risser has witnessed firsthand the success and growth of Lancaster Labs as it was merely 8,000 square feet with 40 employees when he began his career in 1979. Today, with people like Nelson dedicated to expanding services for clients, Lancaster Labs boasts more than 40 certifications and accreditations, has grown to a 225,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility and employs more than 1,000 people in the U.S. and Europe. Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Shippensburg University and an MBA from Penn State.

What does your current job entail?
I am currently working on setting up a new high resolution mass spectrometry laboratory and an associated sample preparation lab. The goal is to bring the new capability online by the beginning of 2010 and then continue to build capacity as we move into the future.

What is the scope of your group?
The Specialty Services Department supports clients’ needs for non-routine testing services.

Given all of your responsibilities, how would you describe a typical workday?
My days are focused on learning new systems and developing the necessary configurations to meet our clients’ requirements. This involves working with advanced instrumentation, software, design laboratory layouts and obtaining the required equipment and glassware in order for a complete operation to function efficiently. I am also called upon to troubleshoot and repair various types of analytical instrumentation in use around the laboratory.

How would you characterize your leadership style?
I like to work in a collaborative manner. It is important to me that the folks I work with have a clear understanding of what is expected of me and of them. Using various methods of communication are critical to keep everyone in the loop concerning the status of work processes.

You’ve been here for many years and seen countless changes. Is there anything that hasn’t changed during your tenure?
I started my career at Lancaster Labs in 1979 so I have been here for nearly 30 years. Most things continually evolve. The one thing that hasn’t changed is Wilson Hershey’s (president) involvement and presence at the lab. He has been here for almost 40 years, starting as a bench chemist. Also, there is always a sense of urgency to get the work done correctly and quickly to keep productivity levels high. And I have always been provided with new opportunities for career growth and development.

What kind of volunteer activities have you been involved with?
I enjoy doing construction work and have occasionally volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as well as a construction work service experience with a youth organization in Wyoming. I am a vocalist at my church and enjoy the challenges that provides.

And when you’re not working?
Most of my spare time over the last two years has been spent building a cabin near the Middle Creek Wildlife area. This included excavation, carpentry, masonry, painting and plumbing among other things. Being raised on a farm, I enjoy working with big equipment like bulldozers and backhoes. Although we did not intend to live there full-time, in February, we decided to move there and are enjoying the quietness of the woods very much.