معرفی
Brian Leech is an Associate Professor of History and current chair of the Department of History at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. An environmental historian specializing in North American regions including the American West and Midwest, he teaches U.S. history, environmental history, public history, and health courses while co-directing the Experiential Minor in Food Studies.
Education:
- B.A., University of Montana
- M.A. and Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. Leech's research examines the historical intersections of natural resources, energy systems, and food production. His award-winning book The City That Ate Itself: Butte, Montana and Its Expanding Berkeley Pit (2019) established his expertise in mining history, while current projects investigate mining portrayals in popular culture and the socio-technical history of speed limits. His work spans nuclear power development, urban agriculture, high fructose corn syrup commercialization, and labor history through cultural lenses including film and horror genres.
Scientific Awards:
- Clark C. Spence Award for the best book in mining history (2019), Mining History Association
Dr. Leech actively mentors students through the Experiential Minor in Food Studies and advises the Augie Acres student organic garden project. As department chair and first-year advisor, he integrates experiential learning through student-created documentaries on labor strikes, college history pop-up exhibits, and neighborhood digital history maps. His professional service includes leadership roles in the Augustana Historical Society (President), Mining History Association (Secretary), and Energy History Working Group (Co-Convener).
Labs and Teams: Dr. Leech co-directs the Experiential Minor in Food Studies program and supports the Augie Acres organic garden initiative. He co-convenes the international Energy History Working Group through the Consortium for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, fostering collaborative research across academic institutions.
