Editors note: This piece originally appeared on the Prairie Research Institute Website.

Meet Alexander Rushing, who usually goes by Sasha, a Visiting Scientific Specialist in Historic Mining & Geology at the Illinois State Geological Survey. After earning a degree in history and a minor in German from the University of Illinois in May 2024, Sasha turned his attention to uncovering Illinois' hidden mining history. Now, as part of a team working on the Abandoned Mine Lands and Mined Out Areas projects, he digs into historical records, seeking out new maps and data sources to locate previously unknown or unlocated mines in Illinois. His passion for history and knack for research drive his work. Continue reading to learn more about Sasha's career journey, tools of the trade, and advice for aspiring historians.

Q&A with Alexander Rushing

Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?

A: I’ve been interested in history for a long time, prompted by a series of excellent teachers throughout high school and college. I finished my undergraduate years with a thesis on the Russian Empire in the Baltic but spent a lot of time in the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections working on local history. Local history is always important and often touches our lives in ways we don’t expect.

Q: What tools are indispensable to your work?

A: My main unique “tool” is the University library system. The UIUC library system has a powerful set of archival collections and newspapers and provides access to many more. Newspapers, in particular, look like a promising research avenue. I also use other libraries and archival collections. Aside from that, my tools are pretty simple—mostly Microsoft Office products.

Q: What questions do you get asked most frequently about your career?

A: I get a lot of questions like “Where were the coal mines in Illinois? I’ve never heard of any,” and “So, how do you find these mines?” Previously, of course, I got the usual dreaded question for history students: “So, what are you going to do with that?”

Q: What advice would you give to those just starting out in your field?

A: Even though I’m very much just starting out myself, my first piece of advice to someone entering history would be to keep an open mind. There’s a lot of work to be done in historical research, and all sorts of places need it done for them. Keeping an open mind and being on the lookout for opportunities can take you a long way.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: I spend a good deal of my free time involved with the Illinois Rowing Association. You can often find me at Clinton Lake, helping out the collegiate Illinois Rowing teams or occasionally participating in the masters rowing program. I also enjoy cooking, which I do regularly, and I like to read, especially during my lunch hours.