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.
Could you explain how a bicycle works? How about on paper? Now, what about a windmill?—this my class "The Way Things Work: A Visual Introduction to Engineering"
The engineering department has a LOT of undergraduate courses, 99 to be precise. The courses labeled 1 - 19 are all non-major courses. My course, the one and only ENGS 11, is one of these courses.
It may be an art distributive requirement, but I took it for the subject matter and a very special reason. I've always liked drawing things, especially mechanical things; I've also always wanted to understand the world around me, whether it be man-made or biological. This is what drives me towards engineering and the sciences, but beyond the empirical, theory-driven stuff, I love understanding something by going through the act of drawing it—doing so forces me to understand it. Knowing the shapes and contours of something allows me to understand how they combine to create the unique, functional image of a thing that I see in front of me everyday.
It started with a series of books in my early childhood days that seemed to cut through time and explain the impossible (at least that's how it felt). These books were fictional, chronological accounts of famous pieces of architecture written by the illustrator David Maucalay. "Pyramid," "Castle," and "City" were—and still are—some of my favorites (to name a few). It was through the fine pen and ink drawings, converging perspectives, and simple explanations that I developed a wonder for how these architectural masterpieces were created.
Cathedral, the first of many such books.
And in conjunction with these building-based books, there was another: "The Way Things Work," a comprehensive volume of society's inventions presented in eye-capturing and intriguing illustrations. Maucalay also wrote this book (it's his most well known).
One of many published versions of "The Way Things Work"
Then, in August pre-matriculation, I received an email newsletter that contained a video covering this class. To my astonishment, the Professor was David Maucaly.
It's a rather full-circle moment for me, and I would never have imagined I could have such an opportunity—but now I'm in this class!
The actual content of the class has been a series of sketchbook exercises and official project assignments. I've used the sketchbook activities to refine my quick drafting skills, and the official assignments have challenged my ability to organize information. It turns out that successfully communicating how something works through illustration requires a great deal of thought as to how certain steps in a process will be arranged (or drawn in perspective, or accentuated with arrows, or connected to something… the list goes on and on). So far, I've explored bridges, bikes, chairs, shoes, and windmills!
A wind-up toy we were tasked with illustrating.
The inner workings, or gearbox, of the wind-up toy.
This story just goes to show what Dartmouth could have in store for you! I never imagined I would be writing this, but here I am!
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.
