Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Taught by Professor Andrew Simon, this course explored histories of the Middle East and North Africa through film, media, and supporting texts. From French Algeria to the Armenian Genocide and the Egyptian Revolution, each week centered on critical engagement with audiovisual material and primary sources. Through reflections, discussions, and a final research project, students examined how media shapes collective memory and questions of voice, power, and resistance. Thoughtful, rigorous, and deeply transformative, this course reshaped how I think about both history and storytelling.
This course offered a dynamic exploration of Paris’s art and architecture, grounding students in the city’s cultural and historical foundations. Weekly lectures established a theoretical framework spanning Paris’s origins, key art movements, and the evolution of its monuments. Our Wednesday site visits made this course truly unforgettable, where we stood before the very landmarks we studied, turning theory into lived experience.
Over the past three terms at Dartmouth, I've immersed myself in photography and discovered a real love for capturing DJ sets through my lens. This fall, I had the chance to photograph Bema Pulse, an outdoor DJ set organized by Booth, the student DJ collective. The event took place in Bema, a scenic, tree-lined area on campus that added to the atmosphere. Drawn by the energy and vibe of the event, I decided to pull up with my camera and capture the pulse of the evening while enjoying the beats. This article shares a selection of my favorite shots from that night, highlighting the unique energy and atmosphere that made Bema Pulse so unforgettable.
One of my greatest privileges at Dartmouth has been learning from Professor Ed. Miller of the History and Asian Studies departments. Read on to learn more about why he is my favorite professor!
The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April, a time for plenty of celebrations and family time. At Dartmouth, I keep these traditions with my friends and celebrate a part of home every year!
Dartmouth offers students incredible opportunities during breaks through the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trips. Options vary widely, from cozy cabin retreats with friends to adventurous climbing expeditions under starry skies.
During winter term, I participated in the inaugural program, Tuck Pathfinders, which connected first-year students with Dartmouth alums and provided us with career advice!
