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!
One of the distinguishing features of Dartmouth is its strong emphasis on undergraduate education, particularly in the realm of research opportunities. This focus of Dartmouth was highlighted repeatedly during my information sessions when I was applying, with the promise that students could dive into research as early as their first year. This commitment to integrating undergraduates into the fabric of scholarly inquiry is a cornerstone of the Dartmouth academic experience, which almost always surprises my friends at peer institutions.
In my journey, my first year at Dartmouth was primarily about exploring and identifying my academic interests. I spent much of my time immersed in various disciplines, trying to pinpoint where my passions lay. Despite this exploratory phase, I was always captivated by the idea of working alongside professors at the forefront of their fields. The prospect of contributing to cutting-edge research was a thrilling one, although it took some time for me to find my footing.
As I moved into my sophomore year, my path became clearer. I joined PhilLab, a cognitive science laboratory led by Professor Jonathan Phillips, part of Dartmouth's Cognitive Science program. My involvement in research kicked off in the fall of my sophomore year. After spending my sophomore winter abroad, I resumed in the spring of 2024 for what would be my second term in active research.
The research I am engaged in at PhilLab has been one of the most profound academic experiences I have had at Dartmouth thus far. Our projects include studying how children generate different options and reason through possibilities. Additionally, I am involved in an fMRI study where I am learning the technical aspects of operating an fMRI scanner and the methodology behind these scans. This practical application of theoretical knowledge offers a robust understanding of the tools and techniques used in cognitive science research, which has broadened my understanding of the scope of research.
Raven House: cognitive science hub of Dartmouth, home to PhilLab and my favorite study spot on campus.
One of the remarkable aspects of Dartmouth's research landscape is the abundance of funding available for students. This funding is managed by the Undergraduate Advising & Research (UGAR) office, a sector of the Dean of Faculty office that supports the paid research activities of undergraduate students. I have been fortunate to secure part-time research funding for two terms, which allowed me to conduct research alongside my coursework. Moreover, I have applied for a full-time research grant for the upcoming summer and am eagerly awaiting the outcome!
This direct involvement in research has not only allowed me to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios but has also kept me closely connected to the evolving knowledge in cognitive science. Using the tools from my statistics and research methods classes in actual research settings has been incredibly rewarding. It exemplifies Dartmouth's commitment to providing a hands-on, engaging educational experience that prepares students not just to learn, but to create new knowledge. At Dartmouth, the opportunity for undergraduates to engage in meaningful research is not just a perk—it's a fundamental part of the educational philosophy. It encourages students like me to go beyond the classroom and contribute actively to our fields of study, fostering an unparalleled and immersive academic environment for undergraduate students.
Some of my rising senior friends from New York have been in contact with me since graduation, and I've compiled a list of FAQs that might help you better understand life at Dartmouth!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
Exploring Chicago with my fellow women engineers from Dartmouth! We explored the city outside of the SWE conference and got to see how exciting Chicago can be.
In Solid Mechanics, we designed and constructed a bridge that held 10kN, around 1000kg! The process, from SOLIDWORKS design to laser cutting to gluing parts together, took us weeks, but it was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.
