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 to the third post of my new series of exploring cafes in Hanover. Today, we will arguably cover my favorite café (& kitchen!) in town: The Nest!
The Nest is my favorite for a couple of reasons. Compared to other cafes in Hanover, The Nest distinguishes itself with its extensive menu. I would normally go to a café to study and grab a bite on the side, but eating at The Nest is an experience of its own.
I find myself texting friends or spontaneously inviting them to The Nest for breakfast. As I'm writing this blog, I'm sitting at The Nest, devouring my salmon avocado toast and sipping on a delightful maple cinnamon ice latte with my friend after our early morning class. It's moments like these that make The Nest special.
Aside from my go-to order, which nowadays seems to be the salmon avocado toast and the maple cinnamon ice latte, I firmly believe all of their morning sandwiches have something to offer. Other orders I have previously enjoyed include the European cousin and a buttered bagel with avocado (I'm obsessed with avocado if you couldn't already tell). Their muffins, brownies, and cookies are also scrumptious and make for perfect treats to accompany your coffee.
Beautifully renovated kitchen area!
Now, the reason why I'm so enthusiastic about The Nest is that they have recently renovated their space. Previously, my main complaints included a lack of seating area despite their bigger size relative to other cafes in the area and lengthy wait times. With the recent renovations, they have addressed both of these issues. Not only does the space look well-furnished but there is ample seating available. They have also implemented a new service where you can order from your table as opposed to waiting in line at the entry—how neat is that!
Ample seating! (everything I've ever wished for)
Overall, I firmly believe The Nest is the best place in town to just sit down, unwind, and chat with friends over good food. While some people enjoy studying at The Nest, I find it a little too crowded for my liking. Nevertheless, it's the perfect spot to start your day on a delicious note or take a well-deserved break. So, if you find yourself in Hanover, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience The Nest. See you on the next one, as we continue our journey through the cafes of 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!
Homecoming—a time when current students and alumni gather to relive cherished memories and exhibit large amounts of school spirit. Find out how I spent my second Homecoming Weekend at Dartmouth!
