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!
Before committing to Dartmouth, I was aware that the school was in the rural town of Hanover. However, given I never actually got to visit Dartmouth (or any college, for that matter), I had no idea what the surrounding town offered. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I thought that reviewing cafes in town for my blog would be a good way of demystifying Dartmouth's location and grounding its surroundings in reality.
The first café I'm reviewing for this series is Still North! The first week I was on campus, I participated in a research study in the Psychology department and received a $10 Still North gift card, which led to the story of how Still North became my go-to for getting work done. Still North is not your typical café. It's a unique blend of a bookstore, café, and bar combined. This fusion creates a distinct and charming atmosphere that sets it apart from the average coffee shop.
My desk at Still North while peacefully coding while sipping on my iced coffee and eating my cookie!
At Still North, I can get my work done while enjoying a delightful cookie and an iced americano. They also have monthly special drinks that I eagerly look forward to trying out every first of the month. It's a great way to break the monotony of studying with exciting new flavors.
April Drink of the Month, Mother Nature Matcha Latte (my personal fav thus far)
Browsing through the myriad of book selections they offer is a treat for any book lover. Still North's bookshelves are filled with a diverse range of titles, inviting you to explore and discover something new with each visit. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while perusing the pages. You're likely to bump into fellow students and locals as you sip your coffee and work on your assignments. It's the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation with a stranger, share a table with someone studying for a different class, or simply enjoy the comforting presence of others as you go about your tasks.
Now, let's talk about the food and drinks. A non-exhaustive list of my go-to items includes the Phineas, iced matcha tea, sea salt pistachio cookie, and any and all cake pops they offer on a given day. It's the kind of place that makes studying a bit more enjoyable with these delectable treats.
The Phineas!
Overall, Still North is a charming and cozy spot to study, earning a solid 8/10 in my review. Though they have an adequate capacity for seating, folks here really do enjoy their Still North, which makes it slightly harder to find tables, especially during peak hours. Nevertheless, Still North remains my go-to for chill studying and scrumptious food. It's a place that offers a unique blend of cafe, bookstore, and community, making it a must-visit in Hanover.
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
