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.
It's week 7 of spring term, which is hard to believe—but also means that sophomore summer is just around the corner. For those unfamiliar, sophomore summer is a Dartmouth tradition where (you guessed it) sophomores stay on campus for the summer to take classes and immerse themselves in Dartmouth life.
It's one of those things that's hard to explain fully until you've experienced it, but from everything I've heard, it's a pretty unique time. Campus is only filled with sophomores, which makes the whole place and community feel tighter-knit and a little more relaxed. People often take lighter course loads or even take time off to work on research or other projects. And because the weather is arguably at its best, Hanover and the Upper Valley really shine—literally and figuratively.
Sophomore summer is often talked about in the same breath as other classic Dartmouth traditions—like the Homecoming bonfire, Winter Carnival, and of course, the tight alumni network. I think it all contributes to the sense that Dartmouth isn't just a school you attend, but a community you get folded into.
As the summer gets closer, I've been thinking a lot about how I want to spend my time. Obviously there will be classes and extracurriculars, but I'm also hoping to make the most of everything else that comes with being here during this season.
For one, I want to immerse myself in local life. That means visiting the Norwich Farmers Market, checking out some of the small towns nearby, and trying new spots to eat—basically just leaning into the slower pace of summer in Hanover. With fewer people on campus, I imagine the town will feel more peaceful, and I'm excited for that. I want to feel like I'm not just passing through the Upper Valley but actually living in it.
I'm also really looking forward to spending more time outdoors. That's one of the best parts of being here in the summer—bike rides, trail runs, swimming holes, maybe even a few Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trips. I'm also planning to do The Fifty, which I've supported twice by volunteering at aid stations, and I've always told myself I'd do it during this period. Same goes for The Prouty, a 100-mile bike ride that raises money for the Dartmouth Cancer Center. It's a challenge, but I think it'll be a meaningful one.
Lastly, I'd like to travel a bit more. During a normal term, everything is so packed and scheduled that it's easy to forget how close we are to some really amazing places. Montreal, Quebec City, New York—they're all doable weekend trips, and I'd love to explore with a few friends while we have the time. I think it's easy to fall into a rhythm on campus, but I want to take advantage of this slightly more open summer to see what else is out there.
We'll see how everything plays out, but those are the big things I've been thinking about heading into sophomore summer. Hopefully that gives you a better idea of what this term is all about and why it's something so many people remember long after they've graduated.
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
It's my first spring ever (!!!) and I have been blown away by the beautiful scenery that continues to bloom right in front of my eyes. Here are some of my favorite scenes from campus in spring!
Dartmouth requires all students to take three PE/Wellness classes in order to graduate. Upon hearing glowing recommendations, I chose to take the wellness sampler offered by the Student Wellness Center as a way to fulfill this requirement.
