Regan Day never thought of herself as a researcher.

“When people think of research, they usually think of white lab coats and mice,” Day says. “People don’t typically think of political science as a field in which you conduct research.”

But research has played a big role in Day’s time at the University of Iowa while working toward degrees in political science, marketing, and business analytics and information systems.

Day has worked with a research team led by Brian Lai, associate professor and department chair for political science. Their research focuses on analyzing attempted peace negotiations in global civil wars spanning from 1980 to 2010. By coding for various elements, including who participated, what topics they discussed, and the ultimate outcome of these peace processes, the team aims to dissect the elements that determine the success or failure of these negotiations.

As an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research, Day urges other undergraduate students to pursue research opportunities—no matter their major.

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I said yes to joining Professor Brian Lai’s research team, but it has taught me how to work as a team, think like a researcher, and ultimately be proud of what you end up producing,” Day says. “You never know unless you try, and it can end up changing your life.”

Outside of research, Day has been actively involved on campus as a social media marketing intern for the Tippie College of Business, a member of Women in Business, and a member of the Tippie Business Honor Society.

After graduation this spring, Day will join Spark Foundry in Chicago as an associate.

Why did you decide to go to the University of Iowa?

As cliche as it sounds, from the moment I first stepped on the campus, I knew that this was a place where I could thrive and really get involved and meet people that would soon be like family. And as I get to the end of my college career, I can confidently say that is exactly what Iowa has done for me. It has truly become a home away from home, and I could not be more grateful.

How did you pick your majors?

I had no idea that I would be able to graduate with three degrees when I started. I came in knowing that I wanted to study marketing. And then it was through classes and connections with professors that I just kept tacking on things that would end up helping me in the long run. So, I added political science after taking a first-year seminar with the head of the political science department. Through conversations with him, I realized I’d be able to tack that on and graduate with a marketing degree and a political science degree. And then toward the end of my sophomore year, I realized that the University of Iowa and the College of Business has a great business analytics and information systems program, and I thought it could really be a great challenge for me because it’s not how my brain usually thinks. And it has really helped with my other degrees.

What’s your favorite memory from your four years here?

Moving to campus during COVID, I didn’t have a lot of in-person experiences, so I think the one that stands out is my sophomore year going to Kinnick Stadium for the first time and screaming with all of my fellow students and all the thousands of fans inside of Kinnick Stadium. I will reflect back on that and remember thinking, “This is college.”

What brought you the greatest sense of belonging during your time at Iowa?

Without a doubt, the building that I’m standing in right now (Pappajohn Business Building) has brought me the greatest sense of belonging. And every time I walk through the doors of the Tippie College of Business, I feel like I belong here. I feel like I have a community of people who are rooting for me and that has, without a doubt, shaped me into the person and the student I am today. And I know I wouldn’t be going where I am and have done all the things that I’ve accomplished during my time at Iowa without this Tippie community.

What does being a Hawkeye mean to you?

This may sound weird, but the way that I describe it is it’s like having a hug that will never let go and will carry on with you throughout the rest of your life. It is so awesome to know that this Hawkeye community doesn’t just disappear once you graduate. It’ll be with you for the rest of your life, and I think that that is just so special to the University of Iowa and to being part of the Hawkeye family.

What are some experiences you’ve had that you don’t think you would have gotten if you had gone to another school?

Being able to say that you go to the same university as Caitlin Clark, which is very cool!

But I think that it really has been this Iowa community that has pushed me to try everything, to be bigger than what I thought I could be when I first came to Iowa. A lot of people would think it’s crazy that I took on three different majors, internships, different experiential learning opportunities. But the people I’ve surrounded myself with have believed in me since the beginning and have truly pushed me to become the best I can be.

Is there a mentor who has really made an impact on you during your time here?

Yes, absolutely. Professor Brian Lai in the political science department has without a doubt been the biggest support system for me throughout my time at Iowa. I took his first-year seminar, and it was my first class in my first year at Iowa. Little did I know how much that relationship would change my life. He took me under his wing that first day when I was a scared little freshman, and he has helped me grow as a researcher, as a student, and as a person. I have so much to thank him for because I would not be where I am today without him.

What are you going miss most after you graduate?

I think the word that comes to mind first is community. I love how when I’m walking around, whether it’s on the Pentacrest, whether it’s in the halls of Tippie, or downtown, that I know people and that people say hi to each other. They are there for each other. That sense of belonging, that sense of community, is what I’m going to miss most about physically being here on campus. But as we all know, that community stays long after you graduate. So that will still be there, just maybe in a different way.

If you were talking to a new student, where would you recommend that they eat?

My first thought went to the dining hall. My freshman year, they had these sugar cookie-like bars—they were the best things I’ve ever consumed. I would go crazy for them.

And then downtown, Basta has to be my favorite. Every time that I have family or friends come into town, that’s usually where I tell them to go. So good.