Hi there! I'm Nathan, from Lynn, MA (basically Boston). At the moment, I'm studying Engineering and Biology, though I hope to explore courses across the Humanities and Social Sciences. I'm an aspiring naturalist who loves writing, drawing, and photography. My time outside the classroom is spent running trails, reading random wikipedia articles, or speaking French with Francophone friends. Explore my posts for an inside perspective of everything Dartmouth has to offer!
I took this class to explore the Biology Department and it ended up defining my freshman Fall. I grew close with other biology-minded students and together we delved deep into cellular mechanisms and processes in a fast-paced environment. The labs were long but rewarding and everything about this class made me a better scientist—Professor Bezanilla is an amazing teacher! I would recommend this class to anyone with a passion for biology and research.
“Who do I want to be?” is a question that I frequently ask myself as an undergraduate (and I’m sure you will as well). A good place to begin answering this question, however, is “Who am I ?” Taking Investigative Memoir as my first-year Seminar allowed me to explore this question via personal reflection and expressive writing—something that has helped me frame my identity at Dartmouth with the rest of my life. College can be a surreal experience, but Professor Sharlet’s introduction to the world of creative nonfiction has given me the ability to transform my own perceptions into tangible, recorded stories.
As a kid I drew a lot; I was inspired by architectural books like “Pyramid” and “Castle” and fascinated by illustrations in “The Way Things Work.” All of these books are by the author David Macaulay—and I had the opportunity to take this very class with him! I completed weekly sketchbook exercises, worked on visually communicating inventions, and was able to receive personal feedback. The theme of visual illustration as a tool in engineering resonated strongly with me, inspiring my interest in an engineering major modified with studio art. Given my long relationship with his work, this class was truly a dream come true.
So what is the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship? Well, the name sort of gives it away, but I promise there's a lot more to the center than a descriptive title. I've mentioned it before in my prior posts about a program called TuckLab (read those here and here!), but I believe all the resources and opportunities deserve their very own blog post.
First of all, the Magnuson Center is simply a place where any student can come and begin their entrepreneurial journey at Dartmouth. It's located in the brand new Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science building, which is on the west end of campus next to the Thayer School of Engineering. It's a sleek, modern space with closed rooms and open tables for meetings—it has a distinct Google-vibe. The real gems of the Magnuson Center, however, are all the kind, brilliant, and experienced staff members that help guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. The team hosts informational seminars about upcoming programs and offers one-on-one advising. It doesn't matter if you just want to learn more or are at real stage in your startup, office hours are always available. Now, I'd like to get into my personal experience with the center and plug some opportunities.
Here is the entrance, I really should take more pictures of the inside though (Image credit: Katelyn Hadley).
SEED
"Student Entrepreneurship Education and Discovery": this is the on-campus entrepreneurship club, of sorts, run by the Magnuson Student Leadership Board (another great way to get involved). Every Tuesday, a bunch of really cool Dartmouth people gather in the center to listen to a visiting guest speaker or hear about a particular student-led startup. So far, SEED has allowed me to hear from venture capitalists, lawyers, as well as early and late stage startup consultants. Food is always provided and plenty of time is allocated to discussion at the end of each talk! I would recommend SEED to anyone looking to get a taste of what the center has to offer.
Mentor Mixer Program
This is the program that's been keeping me busy since winter term and TuckLab ended. It's for early-stage startups to receive advising (and make connections along the way); each startup is paired with a new mentor to meet with every week. Currently, my startup is working on prototyping a type of modular running shoe and the legal implications of such a technology. Thus far, we've talked to the former CEO of a major company in addition to lawyers for our founders' agreement and potential for a patent application. The program has opened my eyes to the power of the Dartmouth alumni network—each of our mentors has been incredibly receptive and helpful.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
The Magnuson Center is also highly connected to many different departments beyond, say, economics. Common pathways to entrepreneurship include Engineering and Computer Science majors (both are great options, as the DALI Lab (Digital Applied Learning and Innovation) and Harold Cable Makerspace are located right next door); however, there are no requirements to have a certain major. You could be a government and public policy minor interested in social entrepreneurship, or a studio art major interested in the fashion business. This is what I love about the center and entrepreneurship in general: you can apply it to nearly any field and pursue rewarding, meaningful work. All options are available at the Magnuson Center.
You just need to choose.
Possibilities, possibilities, and more possibilities.
Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
