Brian Black is an U.S. professor of history and environmental studies at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona Pennsylvania. Dr. Black received his BA in English in 1988 from Gettysburg College, an MA in American Civilization in 1991 from New York University and his Ed.D in American Studies from the University of Kansas in 1996. His research focuses on deals with the landscape and environmental history of North America. He has published articles and books on the history of petroleum and history of the environment.