Brian J. Leech he/him

Associate Professor and Chair of History, Chair of Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program, Co-Coordinator of Food Studies

• Phone: 309-794-8051
• Email: BrianLeech@augustana.edu
• Office: Old Main 326

Brian Leech is an environmental historian of North America.

Students in Leech’s courses have re-enacted the American Revolution in New York, crafted short documentaries about a labor strike, created pop-up exhibits on college history, and built a digital history map for a local neighborhood.

Leech’s research focuses on the history of natural resources. He has conducted research on copper mining, nuclear power, urban agriculture, and the development of high fructose corn syrup. Most recently he has been investigating the portrayal of mining in popular culture and the history of American speed limits.

Leech advises student groups like Augie Acres and History Club.

• About Dr. Leech and links to some of his students' projects

Specializations: Mining, Food studies, Energy policy, Popular culture