Hi there! I'm Nathan, a '27 from Lynn, MA (just outside Boston). I'm an intended Engineering Sciences Major and Studio Art Minor—I like to understand, design, and create things. I also love reading about history, writing, and photography (hence this blog). On-campus, I'm involved in the Triathlon Team, French Living Learning Community (LLC), and Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship. 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.
SummerAmherst, Massachusetts
I interned at a running biomechanics research lab in Amherst, MA, to explore my interests in kinesiology and running shoe design! I was able to self-fund the internship through a grant from the Dartmouth Center for Professional Development (CPD). I spent the rest of my summer reading, spending time with family, and took a trip to Quebec before returning to campus.
The first of a two-part series on classical mechanics, this class made physics refreshing and enjoyable. The content came primarily through lectures given by Professor Caldwell, who was extremely clear and made each class memorable with demonstrations, jokes, or historical tangents. The lab section, which involved hands-on physics experiments, reinforced my understanding of the material in a practical sense. I took this course as an engineering requirement, and I found it to be my favorite quantitative course thus far.
I delved into the process of using digital design tools—such as the Adobe Suite, Rhino 3D, and Fusion 360—to create projects that used computer driven manufacturing methods like laser cutting and 3D printing. This class was right up my alley as the assignments required a hybrid of creative and technical thinking. My favorite projects included a making my own lamp, decorative tiles, and an architecture miniature. Overall, this class expanded my design skills and further solidified my pursuit of a Studio Art minor.
This past week, I had the chance to attend the Dartmouth Entrepreneurs Forum, held at the Hanover Inn. The Forum, organized by the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, is usually hosted on the West Coast, but this year it took place right here in Hanover with a special focus on student entrepreneurs. It felt like a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of something that celebrates the Dartmouth entrepreneurial community so close to home.
The Hanover Inn made for a perfect venue, with its spacious ballroom and, of course, PINE—the go-to restaurant in town. I was lucky to attend for free, thanks to my position on the Magnuson Student Leadership Board. The event itself featured an impressive lineup of Dartmouth alumni who've gone on to do incredible things. A few highlights included Geoff Ralston, former president of Y Combinator; Jeff Crowe, managing partner at Norwest Venture Partners; and Jung Son, chief legal officer at Sequoia Capital. Their insights were inspiring, and although it's hard to sum up everything they shared, a few lessons stood out: pursue work you're both passionate about and good at, and the rest will follow; choose paths that open more doors than they close (which is why Jung Son went to law school!); and remember that maybe venture capital isn't the right fit for everyone.
I joined the Forum right after lunch and stayed until about 4 PM, which included a student startup pitch competition where three teams presented for a chance to win a $20,000 grand prize. I was thrilled to see a team I knew take home the win—they've been working incredibly hard, and it was great to see their efforts recognized. After a short break, I returned for the dinner portion of the event, where I got to meet more alumni in a relaxed, informal setting. The evening closed with some heartfelt remarks and acknowledgments for the many donors and alumni who support the Magnuson Center and its mission.
If there's one thing I took away from the day, it's that Dartmouth truly is a launchpad. Between the alumni network and the resources offered by the Magnuson Center, we have access to world-class entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. I'm excited to attend more forums in the future and continue building connections within this amazing community.
