Mike McHugh worked as an intern at the St. Louis Research Center before taking a part-time position as a manuscript specialist in the spring of 2024. He received his master’s degree in library science with an archival emphasis from the University of Missouri, where he previously earned undergraduate degrees in magazine journalism and classical humanities. McHugh has worked as a freelance writer for textbooks, various St. Louis publications, and music blogs. He is a collector of cassettes and vinyl records, and, an avid soccer fan, supporting Arsenal Football Club in England and the Dutch national team.