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!
Hello and welcome to the seventh part of my Hanover café exploration series. This time, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the charm of Lou's Bakery, a Dartmouth staple nestled conveniently on Main Street, just a short 3-minute walk from the green.
Lou's Bakery has earned its reputation not only for its delightful menu but also for the famous tradition known as the Lou's Challenge. This time-honored ritual sees Dartmouth students pulling all-nighters and gathering at Lou's diner right as its doors swing open at 6:30 am. It's a testament to endurance, camaraderie, and a touch of Dartmouth's unique spirit.
Fellow orientation leader Josephine and I enjoying an early morning breakfast at Lou's (we were jet lagged and thus woke up super early)
As an early riser, I appreciate the allure of a morning routine over late-night endeavors. While I haven't personally undertaken the Lou's Challenge – preferring a good night's rest – the tradition adds a distinct flavor to the Dartmouth experience. For those interested in firsthand accounts, my fellow blogger, friend, and soon-to-be study abroad companion Andrea Agola shares her adventure completing the Lou's Challenge in a captivating blog post.
Beyond the challenge, Lou's Bakery offers a diverse experience for visitors. It's a perfect spot to switch up breakfast routines with friends, share a meal with family visiting campus, or simply indulge in a sweet treat to-go. The ambiance at Lou's is a delightful blend of American diner style, providing ample seating for patrons. The cheerful servers contribute to the overall welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the enjoyment of the exquisite food offerings.
Lou's interior
Speaking of the menu, I have found their pesto scrambled eggs and fruit salad to be a pleasing breakfast choice, perfectly complemented by a cup of hazelnut coffee for that morning pick-me-up. For those on the go, the blueberry scone and the breakfast cookie are delectable treats that never disappoint.
Lou's pastries
In summary, Lou's Bakery is more than just a venue for the renowned Lou's Challenge. It's a haven for those seeking exceptional food, warm service, and a touch of Dartmouth tradition. Whether you're a student looking for a hearty breakfast, a visitor in search of local flavor, or simply interested in the Lou's Challenge, Lou's Bakery is an essential stop on your Hanover café exploration journey.
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!
