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.
As another term draws to a close and I prepare for finals, I wanted to reflect on some of my favorite experiences and learning opportunities from the past ten weeks. This term felt much different from last year—between the colder temperatures, increased snowfall, and my familiarity with Dartmouth as a second-year student, it truly felt like a winter quarter. Here are some of my highlights:
Delving into Design Coming into my second year, I fully realized my interests in Engineering and Studio Art. This term, I took anotherStudio Art course (SART 17.15) called 3D Design and Digital Fabrication, where I explored a variety of computer-aided design (CAD) software and manufacturing processes. I developed a deeper understanding of how to approach design, applying these concepts to projects such as laser-cut patterns inspired by nature, 3D scanning & printing objects, and creating fully functional designs like light fixtures. For more details, check out my previous poston design at Dartmouth.
A lamp I designed using a pattern from microscopic images of wood and made with laser-cut and 3D printed components.
Living Light: Hood Museum Exhibit Dartmouth's Hood Museum of Art regularly hosts events such as artist seminars and exhibition openings. This term, I attended the opening ofLiving Light, an exhibit by Native American photographer Cara Romero, whose work explores contemporary life in Indigenous communities. The event featured remarks from both Romero and President Beilock and highlighted how Dartmouth collaborates with artists to provide a platform for their work. Romero's photographs spanned two floors, and I appreciated taking the time to engage with each piece. I look forward to attending more Hood events in the future and may even consider becoming a Hood Intern.
The first room of Romero's exhibition.
Ice Skating on Lake Morey My top outdoor adventure this term was skating on Lake Morey, a frozen lake in Vermont. I joined a trip hosted by the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) and spent nearly two hours gliding across the ice as light snow fell around me. At one point, a sudden snow squall came through, briefly inducing white-out conditions—which made for a surreal and magical moment, especially when I was back in the library shortly after (a contrast that can only happen at Dartmouth).
The view on Lake Morey.
Continuing my Entrepreneurship Journey This term, I continued developing my running footwear startup in the Venture Studio, a program for early- to mid-stage startups in the Dartmouth community. I met new student founders, practiced pitching, and engaged with guest speakers. Additionally, my team and I traveled to a materials show in Boston, identified viable manufacturers, and connected with experienced designers who provided valuable insights into the industry!
Checking into the footwear materials show in Boston.
Winter Carnival and the Polar Plunge One of the most anticipated events of Winter Carnival (a seasonal Dartmouth tradition of winter-themed events) is thePolar Plunge, where students jump into a hole cut into the ice of Occom Pond. Last year's plunge was canceled due to warm temperatures, so I was excited to finally participate this year. A few friends and I arrived early, braved the cold as we undressed, and plunged into the icy water. Surprisingly, the most uncomfortable part was waiting on the ice—the water itself wasn't too bad, though I was only in for about ten seconds! We quickly warmed up with hot cocoa afterward.
Waiting in line!
This term was filled with incredible experiences that deepened my academic, creative, and personal growth. From exploring design and entrepreneurship to embracing Dartmouth's winter traditions, I've gained a greater appreciation for this community. I'm excited to see what new opportunities await next term.
IT FINALLY FEELS LIKE SPRING! Inspired by "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, read about my first experience in the Hanover spring sun! From lounging on the Green to playing games with friends, see what Dartmouth students do in the spring!
Inspired by my fall term recap post, I wanted to share a similar recap at the end of these nine weeks of the winter term. Read on to see what I've been up to!
From meeting some of my best friends to sitting in classes and exploring new parts of campus, read on to see how Dimensions got me excited for college!
