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!
I've never been super big on working out. Like, at all. Growing up, I played basketball and danced, so I was definitely active, but I never found a fitness routine that truly clicked or made me feel good in the long run. I've tried before (see my article on keeping up with new year's resolutions… safe to say the gym routine I was hoping for then didn't really materialize). This term, though, something shifted. For the first time, I found myself genuinely committing to the gym at Dartmouth. Here's how I reconnected with Alumni Gym and found a routine that actually works.
The first step was recognizing that I'd never really put my wellbeing at the center of my fitness intentions before. I'm not sure what sparked the change, but this term, I began to look at the gym as part of taking care of myself, rather than a place to achieve some ideal fitness level. And that shift has made all the difference.
Dartmouth's Alumni Gym, open to all students, is right across from East Wheelock House dorms (East Wheezy Represent!). Now, even though I live off campus, it's just a quick 10-minute walk from my house in Hanover, so the track to the gym doesn't feel burdensome at all.
I started simple: a 30-minute incline walk every day. Nothing too intense, but something to ease into both mentally and physically. For anyone who's been on an incline walk, you know it's no joke! About a month in, I started to notice a few things. First, my energy levels were better throughout the day. And second, I was feeling more at ease in the gym and with my body image. Now, I'm on a three-month streak. I go if I feel up for it, and if not, I rest. I'm careful to respect my physical limits and not push myself unnecessarily.
Sometimes I bring my iPad to the gym to watch films for my film class!
What's even better is that the gym no longer feels intimidating. If I'm unsure how to use a piece of equipment, I just ask someone nearby for help. This comfort in admitting what I don't know has given me a whole new sense of security.
I'm thrilled to finally have a sustainable, secure relationship with the gym at Dartmouth. Here's to Alumni Gym and finding a routine that feels right.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
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!
