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.
When I arrived at Dartmouth, I knew I had interests—but I didn't know where they would lead me. I was hit with many "what do I major in?" moments, and I could see myself pursuing dozens of paths. The pros of attending Dartmouth include access to seemingly limitless opportunities, but such opportunities can be overwhelming for someone like me. I enjoy intellectual exploration—which is why I'm here—but I also think I needed to face the fact that I only have so much time and realize it's hard NOT to grow from any academic path here (which you can read more about here).
My first phase was "on the fence" for engineering, "sure I'll try it" for biology, and "I'm intrigued" for earth science, the social sciences, and nearly all the humanities. There was so much I wanted to absorb, and I didn't know which combination was right for me. Over Winterim (our long winter break), I even considered becoming pre-med and created too many D-Plans to keep track of. I was spinning combinations of courses day and night—and it wasn't helping. During my winter term, I tookEARS 2, "The Evolution of the Earth and Life," which almost led me to double major in biology and earth science—but the plan still didn't quite sit well with me. Then I took Engs 21, "Introduction to Engineering," and Cosc 1, "Introduction to Programming and Computation," in the spring, which made me realize I could actually see myself pursuing the engineering major (initially, I was hesitant about engineering because of the heavy prerequisite course count, but I came to the conclusion I could embrace the major).
In the end, I took two biology courses, an earth science course, two engineering courses, and a computer science course (in addition to my first-year writing and seminar requirements). While not all my science courses will count toward my engineering major, they were necessary for me to make my engineering pivot and fulfill my natural science interests.
As of this fall term, I'm an intended Engineering Sciences major and Studio Art minor. Studio art was a significant passion of mine prior to Dartmouth, and takingENGS 11 last spring term re-ignited that passion. I intend to blend my engineering and artistic skills to enhance my overall design skills. I'm currently taking Drawing I and plan to take additional courses in Sculpture and Architecture.
An eraser still life drawing for my first studio art course here!
I still have a love for biology and the environment, so more of the life sciences may sneak their way into my course load—we shall see. My current D-Plan is pretty packed after factoring in distributive requirements and a potential study abroad program, so the final outcome will depend on what I have room for.
I'll follow up with another "major" progression this winter during the "Major" declaration process!
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
