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!
At the end of my first year at Dartmouth, I wrote an article reflecting on my reasons for continuing to choose Dartmouth (which you can read here). Recently, while talking to a family friend—a rising high school senior—she mentioned my blog (shout out to all of the loyal People Places Pines readers!), and I felt the urge to revisit my past thoughts.
It gives me great pleasure to say that I still stand by most, if not all, of my rationale (good job, first-year Batu)! However, now that I'm closer to the end of my undergraduate journey than the beginning, I wanted to take a moment to "re-revisit" my Why Dartmouth.
As I delve deeper into my Cognitive Science major, particularly my visual perception research, I feel increasingly immersed in the quality of education Dartmouth provides. My intellectual curiosity is not only encouraged but actively supported, both financially and emotionally. The ability to secure funding for anything I want to pursue has enabled me to carve a path that is uniquely mine.
Every corner of the campus presents brand-new opportunities. Over the past three years, I have learned French, studied abroad twice, discovered a passion for photography, reconnected with dance by joining a summer dance group, taken courses and attended lectures across a myriad of departments, and continually nourished my desire to learn and grow. None of these were foreseen goals prior to college; however—looking back—I now realize how deeply I have invested in my curiosity and how Dartmouth has supported me every step of the way.
As Dartmouth has grown more familiar and home-like, my reasons for choosing it have become inextricably linked to the people around me. Over the past three years, I have befriended some of the most special people in my life. In true liberal arts spirit, my friends are pursuing vastly different paths, and hearing about their journeys brings me immense joy.
Shebalite, my summer dance troupe!
To be honest, I once thought the phrase "collaborative, not competitive" was just a marketing gimmick. However, I can now confidently say I feel as enriched by my peers as I do by my academic experiences. There is so much to celebrate about the people I surround myself with at Dartmouth, and I am grateful to be in an environment where supporting one another is just as valued as personal success.
So perhaps my "Why Dartmouth" has evolved into an ode to the people who make this community so special.
IT FINALLY FEELS LIKE SPRING! Inspired by "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, read about my first experience in the Hanover spring sun! From lounging on the Green to playing games with friends, see what Dartmouth students do in the spring!
This time last year, I attended Dimensions of Dartmouth, Dartmouth's accepted students day. I had so much fun at Dimensions and it's ultimately the reason I chose Dartmouth!
From meeting some of my best friends to sitting in classes and exploring new parts of campus, read on to see how Dimensions got me excited for college!
