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!
This summer, I rekindled my connection with meditation, a practice that provided me with newfound clarity as I reflected on my first year at Dartmouth. Upon returning to campus a few weeks ago, I was eager to continue meditating outdoors, and Dartmouth's abundant nature offered me the perfect setting for undertaking this endeavor.
It is no secret that Dartmouth's campus is a sanctuary for nature lovers, with its lush greenery and serene landscapes. Thus, it didn't take long for me to discover the ideal spot for my outdoor meditation sessions—BEMA, or known as the Big Empty Meeting Area.
Picture of BEMA from where I sit and meditate (oh so beautiful!)
At BEMA, the gentle rustling of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and the feeling of being in sync with nature provide the perfect place for meditation. What's more, my dorm for this year happens to be a mere two-minute walk from BEMA, making it incredibly convenient for me to slip away and be alone with my thoughts there!
Dartmouth's commitment to student well-being extends to mental health, and such initiative includes providing students with access to the Headspace meditation app. This resource has been my trusted companion throughout the summer, offering a wide array of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques tailored to individual needs.
Over the past year, as part of my personal commitment to improving my mental health, I have also appreciated the presence of the Student Wellness Center and everything they provide. First, their office is located right at the heart of the library complex (Baker-Berry Library), so I can pay them a visit even between study sessions. I am a huge fan of their massage chairs, which serve as a relaxing interlude during my day. Dartmouth's proactive approach to mental health is commendable, and the inclusion of Headspace as a resource and the Student Wellness Center has helped me find ways of ensuring my well-being.
Main room of the Student Wellness Center, from where you can also access the massage chairs (big fan)
My quest for the perfect outdoor meditation spot led me to the hidden gem that is BEMA, where the union of nature and mindfulness creates an ideal setting for self-reflection and inner peace. As I venture into my sophomore year, I am grateful for the opportunity to meditate amidst the natural beauty of Dartmouth's campus, finding serenity in the heart of the great outdoors.
