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.
The Thayer School of Engineering isn't a separate college from Dartmouth, but it's very much its own self-sufficient bubble tucked away on the west end of campus. It's a sprawling array of brick, glass, and metal buildings that seem to capture both the vintage and futuristic vibes of engineering (or maybe it's just me). Regardless, what's important is the fact that engineering here at Dartmouth is unique—and I'm just starting to realize how unique.
Engineering is treated as one discipline among many. In other words, Dartmouth turns engineering into an interdisciplinary field that students can engage with on an individual basis. The engineering major can be customized with many areas of study (technically any), including biology, public policy, chemistry, environmental science, and more. I'm tentatively considering modifying my engineering major with studio art! (Common for students interested in physical product design and architecture, see all options here.)
The major itself can be difficult to commit to right away, as there are many prerequisites, but Thayer does a great job advising on courses and providing alternatives. The Human-Centered Design minor, for example, is a popular option for non-majors still seeking a "design thinking" component to their degree.
Once you get to the actual engineering courses, then everything clicks. I still have prerequisites to complete, but I recently wrapped up ENGS 21 Introduction to Engineering. The class condenses the design, prototyping, and testing phases of creating a product or technology into the timespan of a 10-week term. It's all hands-on and project-based learning, which is time-consuming but completely rewarding. I've gained exposure to the range of fabrication services offered by the machine shop and gotten to know wonderful faculty who could help me during future projects (Read more about ENGS 21 in this post!).
Here are the project cubbies for ENGS 21 near the end of the term—everyone is finishing their final prototypes!
Ultimately, the nature of engineering at Dartmouth has allowed me to determine it's right for me. Between the people, courses, and the flexibility that the major provides, I couldn't ask for something more rewarding and intellectually stimulating. I'm excited to see where the major takes me—and how exactly I engineer my engineering!
(If you want to learn more about engineering at Dartmouth, I would start with this introductory video)
As much as I love studying abroad on Dartmouth's Full Immersion in Rome Italian program, I also really miss campus! Here's a look back at some of the places I can't wait to get back to soon.
This past week, I got to participate in a Memory Café hosted by the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth with my club, Dartmouth Forte! What's a Memory Café? Read to find out!
Choosing the right college is a critical decision that extends beyond mere rankings. Without the benefit of campus visits, it's vital to thoroughly research and understand each institution to ensure a fulfilling and safe experience.
As I head into the final week of my LSA in Spain, I want to share my reflections on finding balance while taking four classes and being immersed in a language in another country.
This blog explores how taking classes outside my major at Dartmouth helped me grow personally and academically. Taking a film class made me more creative, curious, and highlighted the value of diverse learning experiences at Dartmouth.
Dartmouth is special because it offers abundant resources with little risk or cost. This environment allows passions to flourish, as students have the time, resources, and security to take the necessary risks and grow in their chosen fields.
