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!
Taught by Professor Andrew Simon, this course explored histories of the Middle East and North Africa through film, media, and supporting texts. From French Algeria to the Armenian Genocide and the Egyptian Revolution, each week centered on critical engagement with audiovisual material and primary sources. Through reflections, discussions, and a final research project, students examined how media shapes collective memory and questions of voice, power, and resistance. Thoughtful, rigorous, and deeply transformative, this course reshaped how I think about both history and storytelling.
This course offered a dynamic exploration of Paris’s art and architecture, grounding students in the city’s cultural and historical foundations. Weekly lectures established a theoretical framework spanning Paris’s origins, key art movements, and the evolution of its monuments. Our Wednesday site visits made this course truly unforgettable, where we stood before the very landmarks we studied, turning theory into lived experience.
Oh, another winter break! After three consecutive terms on campus (sophomore spring, sophomore summer, and junior fall), I'm beyond excited to take some much-needed time to rest and rejuvenate during this six-week break before heading off for my study abroad term in Paris in 2025.
Here's what I was up to this past winter break! First and foremost: rest, rest, and rest. I prioritized unstructured time to truly listen to my body and soul, allowing myself to do whatever feels right in the moment. In the hustle and bustle of Dartmouth life, I rarely get the chance to slow down like this, and it feels incredibly refreshing.
Reunited with my son!
That said, there were still a few things I both needed and wanted to accomplish during this winter break.
One of my main goals was to stay consistent with my newly established gym routine. To keep this habit alive, I signed up for a gym that's a 15-minute walk from home. I'm proud to say that I've stayed committed to my fitness journey. This routine has been empowering, and it has felt great to maintain this sense of balance even during the holiday season.
Another exciting goal of mine was to dive into analog photography. While I feel confident bringing my creative vision to life through digital photography, I've always wanted to challenge myself with analog. This winter break, I've finally taken the plunge—I purchased two analog cameras and have started experimenting with them. I love how analog photography pushes me to be more intentional, embracing the unpredictability and delayed gratification of waiting to see the final images. It's definitely more challenging, but I'm thrilled to expand my skills in this medium!
New cameras!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I dedicated this break to spending quality time with family and friends. I decided to cancel all my travel plans and spend the entire break in Istanbul. Being surrounded by loved ones feels like the perfect way to recharge before the excitement of Paris.
This winter break shaped up to be one of rest, growth, and connection—exactly what I need before my next big adventure in Paris in 2025.
Winter is a term that most people spend cozy and indoors. My winter quarter, however, was full of amazing outdoor experiences, mostly through one of my classes! Here's the scoop on BIOL 061: Winter Ecology.
The rumors are true, guys: engineering is hard. It took some adapting for me to find my pace and excel in the major. But, that was only possible due to the kind words of a Dartmouth professor.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
