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!
Welcome back to the second installment of my cafe exploration series in Hanover! In case you missed it, I started this series with a post where I delved into the cozy ambiance of Still North Café! Today, I'm shifting gears a bit by featuring our local Starbucks. You might be wondering why I'm including a chain cafe in my quest to explore local coffee spots. Well, Starbucks in our college town has its unique charm and significance, making it a noteworthy addition to this series.
When it comes to food, I'm a creature of habit. At Starbucks, I tend to go for a regular breakfast sandwich, and if I'm in the mood to treat myself, a delightful cake pop. My coffee order is pretty basic too, typically an iced latte. It's a classic choice that never disappoints.
Cakepops!! The one that looks like an owl is my personal favorite.
One of the standout features of Starbucks in Hanover is its ample seating space. Unlike some of the smaller, cozier cafes in town, Starbucks offers a great environment for studying. I often find myself here not for chit-chat with friends but for solo study sessions or to meet up with friends for study dates.
As someone hailing from the heart of a big city, my initial experience with Starbucks was more in line with its "grab and go" culture. I rarely sat down to enjoy my coffee in a Starbucks back home. However, the Starbucks experience in our college town is markedly different. It's a place where you can linger, immerse yourself in your work, or even catch up on reading without feeling rushed.
Busy busy people getting work done at Starbucks on a saturday morning
What makes the Hanover Starbucks even more special is the friendly atmosphere. I love bumping into friends who work there as baristas. It's heartwarming to see familiar faces every time you visit, even in a chain cafe like Starbucks. It gives the place a distinct sense of community, which is something I truly value.
In summary, Starbucks in Hanover offers a change of scenery from the library, making it a great spot to get work done or simply unwind. While I might have had a preconceived notion of Starbucks as a grab-and-go spot, the experience here in our college town is much more than that. It's a place where you can study, meet friends, and enjoy the warmth of a welcoming community. I hope you'll join me for the next part of this series as we continue to explore the delightful cafes in Hanover. Stay tuned for more caffeinated adventures!
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!
