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.
Every October, theCHaD Hero Half Marathonpartners withDartmouth Health to support children in the Upper Valley. Proceeds from the race go directly to the children's hospital, enhancing community support and improving local healthcare initiatives.
While I didn't participate in the race during my first year due to logistics—this year was different. I was determined to be part of it, so I made sure to register early and hit my fundraising minimum well before race day. I participated as part of the Club Triathlon Team, but I knew many other students who independently were running it as well (many also opted to participate in a 5k option!)
The day of the race dawned brisk and clear. By 9 AM, runners of both the half marathon and the 5k gathered at the starting line in the middle of the Green. The space buzzed with excitement as spectators and participants alike filled the area, sharing in the anticipation. After a short warm-up, I felt prepared—my training through Triathlon and independent running made me feel relatively competent. Still, I approached the course with a healthy respect for its reputation: challenging, hilly, yet beautifully scenic, especially with fall in full display.
The race began with a loop around campus. The route took us past Occom Pond and back by the Green before we turned onto West Wheelock Street, heading toward Vermont. Though Dartmouth's campus was shrouded in the morning fog, it didn't deter the enthusiastic spectators and local residents who cheered us on. With both the half marathon and 5k underway simultaneously, there was quite a bit of energy in those first three miles.
The course! New Hampshire is on the right bank of the river and Vermont is on the left bank.
Crossing the Connecticut River into Vermont, we pressed on through the main street of Norwich. I still felt somewhat strong at this point, but as we turned right onto Willey Hill Road, the real test began. The hills were tough, as expected, but training around Hanover had helped me get used to the vertical gain. Soon, the bustling streets gave way to quieter roads where only the fog and vibrant foliage were present.
The course hit its highest elevation around mile seven on Union Village Road. I made sure to take a few carbohydrate gels at an aid station and pressed through the next net downhill portion of the race. The next right turn took me down River Road, which brought me back towards Hanover. This home stretch was both challenging and exhilarating, especially with supporters along the way dressed in Halloween costumes. Their cheers provided a boost as I tackled the final climb up West Wheelock Street. One last turn brought me back to the Green, where I crossed the finish line in just under an hour and a half.
After the race, I stuck around to cheer on teammates and refueled with the post-race snacks that awaited us. By then, the fog had lifted, revealing a clear, sunny sky. The race fair and expo had a cheery vibe and, by this point, it felt like a perfect morning—only it was 11:00 AM, and I was really tired.
The finish line!
The CHaD Hero Half Marathon is more than just a race; it's a staple of Dartmouth's Fall term. This year marked its 19th run—the CHad brings together students, faculty, families, and local residents. For me, the race highlighted how close-knit Hanover really is and how the whole area can rally around a cause. The CHaD Hero is a great break from Dartmouth academics and a reminder of what makes this community special!
