Briana Reagan

High school: Belvidere North High School

Hometown: Poplar Grove, Ill.

Majors: Geology, environmental studies

Minor: Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)

Activities: Udden Geology Club, Dance Company, Concert Band, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, PACE peer mentor, admissions ambassador

Internships: Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities; assisting physical science technician - The Geological Society of America GeoCorps

Post-grad plans: Gain more experience in the environmental science field before applying to graduate school

Why Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?

Even though I visited on a very snowy, cold January day, I fell in love with Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and knew it was the right fit for me. My cousin attended Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, and hearing her and others' experiences, I knew the Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø community was very welcoming and active. 

I wanted to continue my extracurriculars and have a liberal arts education, and it was clear that this was supported for many students. I also wanted to go to a small school where I knew professors would care about my growth and success.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

When I came to campus, I wanted to pursue an environmental studies degree, but I didn¡¯t know that I would end up adding geology as a second major. I also didn¡¯t know what GIS was before my freshman year, and I now have a GIS minor!

As a freshman, I couldn¡¯t have imagined all of the research opportunities that I have had. If someone had told me freshman year that I would go SCUBA diving in the Caribbean or live in Oregon for a summer internship, I don't think I would have believed them!

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I would gratefully like to thank all my professors within the geology, environmental studies, and geography departments. 

Within the geology department, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Strasser, for getting me interested in geology. I would also like to thank my geology Senior Inquiry advisors, Dr. Jenny Arkle and Dr. Wolf, for their mentorship and support. Susan Wolf, Dr. Kelsey Arkle and Jen Milner have also supported me so much over the past four years and have always helped give career advice.

I would like to thank the professors and faculty at the Upper Mississippi Center and part of the environmental studies department: Dr. Reisner, Dr. Geedey, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Lashley and Peyton Heisch. They have advised me on many different projects and helped me learn about scientific research.

Lastly, my friends and family have played a large role in helping me be successful at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. I would not have been able to make it through the past four years without their care.

Peak experience?

My peak experience was working for the Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities during the summer of 2022. This was the summer right after my freshman year, and it was the first time I was introduced to scientific research. 

This was also when I fell in love with working outdoors and for local communities. I remember being scared to start, but my research group was very welcoming and supportive!

What surprised you?

Like many of my peers, I was surprised by the number of opportunities. But I was also surprised by how diverse the opportunities were. I have been able to explore and build skills through so many different research project opportunities. During my time at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, I have completed research in the Quad Cities, Oregon and Bonaire!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice in 2024 for a study abroad J-term course: Bonaire, The Geology of the Caribbean (GEOL 321).

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the community and family that I have created at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. My friends have been such a big part of my college experience, and they have supported me through all the small and large successes. I have also seen them shape into amazing people, and I am excited for their future endeavors. I will cherish and miss all of the coffee runs, late-night study sessions, long rehearsals and sunsets along the Mississippi River.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Follow the opportunities and experiences that you think will be best for you. Even if you are scared to switch your major or pursue an interest, it will be okay. A large part of college is learning who you want to become, so allow yourself to try something new!