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.
Deciding to pursue an engineering degree can feel overwhelming at first; between prerequisite courses, core requirements, electives, and capstone projects, it's easy to get lost in the details. But if you're passionate about engineering, the path is entirely manageable—and worth it! Here's a breakdown of what to expect and some tips on how to plan an engineering course-load based on my own experience.
The BA in Engineering Sciences is a more flexible option. It gives you a strong foundation in problem-solving, both quantitative and qualitative, but doesn't specialize in any one field. This can be a good choice if you're looking to develop broad skills that will allow you to branch into various careers, including consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship. However, it's not as specialized, so if you're set on a career directly in the field of engineering, it might not give you the technical depth you want.
On the other hand, the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) focuses more on a specific engineering discipline, such as mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering. It requires additional technical coursework (9 more classes) and results in an ABET-accredited degree. This accreditation is important if you want to pursue a career as a licensed engineer. For me, I decided to go the BE route because I want that specialized, in-depth engineering knowledge and the professional certification that comes with it.
A student working in the Thayer School's very own Machine Shop, a hub for all kinds of engineering-related "making."
One thing to keep in mind is that the BE program often takes longer to complete. Many students, including myself, opt for an extra year to finish all the requirements. The fifth-year gives you more time to explore other academic interests, engage in extracurricular activities, and take part in study abroad programs. For example, I'm hoping to join the Green City Program in Berlin, which focuses on sustainable infrastructure design—a perfect fit for my interests.
When planning your courses, you'll also need to balance core engineering classes with electives and other general requirements (read about requirements here). In my case, most of my terms are filled with two engineering classes, a studio art class, or a class that fulfills a distributive requirement. Figuring out how to fit everything in while still leaving room for flexibility can be tricky, but it's totally doable with good planning.
One of the most helpful things I've found in navigating this complex system is the support available from academic advisors. The engineering department has advisors specifically for course planning, and I've met with mine several times to help make sure I'm staying on track. There's also Professor Doug Van Citters (known as DVC) and advisor Jenna Wheeler, both of whom are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions about the curriculum.
Ultimately, the key to managing the engineering course load is staying organized and being proactive about seeking help when you need it. It can be a lot to manage, but with the right mindset and support, you'll be able to make it through. At Dartmouth, whether you choose the BA or BE route, the important thing is to stay focused on your goals and plan accordingly. And remember, this is your journey—make sure you're taking the courses that excite you and align with your future plans no matter where you end up.
I sat down with Aarushi Jain '25, a coxswain on the women's rowing team, to learn more about the opportunities to study abroad as an athlete at Dartmouth!
Once you are here, Dartmouth ensures that you have the tools you need to thrive, regardless of where you start. Read on to discover some of Dartmouth's lesser-known resources!
Dartmouth professors truly make all the difference, especially when you have the opportunity to take them out to lunch and get to know them outside of the classroom. Read about my Differential Equations professor Professor Robert Dougherty Bliss.
