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.
Dartmouth offers so many ways to explore creativity, including an incredible range of "makerspaces" across campus. These spaces provide opportunities to experiment, learn new skills, and work on hands-on projects, whether you're interested in woodworking, 3D printing, film editing, or even jewelry-making. Each one has its own character, and they've become some of my favorite places to spend time.
Harold Edward Cable Makerspace
TheHarold Edward Cable Makerspace is a welcoming space for students interested in hands-on projects. It's equipped with a variety of tools and materials, including hand tools, mini CNC mills, laser cutters, and a large 3D print farm. Students can even access free project materials, making it easy to dive into a project without a high upfront cost. The space also hosts workshops on topics like laser cutting or sewing, which can be a great way to learn something new. The student TAs are approachable and happy to help, making the Cable Makerspace a great resource for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Woodworking Shop
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at carpentry, the Woodworking Shop might be the perfect place to start. Part of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, this space focuses on woodworking and offers high-quality tools and a variety of woods to choose from. Accessing the shop is easy—students just need to complete a one-time orientation session. Projects here can range from small items to larger undertakings like kayaks or musical instruments, and the instructors are always there to share their expertise and advice.
Jones Media Center
The Jones Media Center, located on the second floor of Berry Library, is ideal for students exploring media like film and photography. With access to professional-grade cameras, microphones, and editing tools, students can work on projects that range from class assignments to personal creative endeavors. The media technicians are knowledgeable and available to help with questions, whether it's about choosing the right equipment or navigating editing software. I once borrowed a microphone setup for a video project with friends, and the experience was simple and supportive.
Donald Claflin Jewelry Studio
For those curious about jewelry-making, the Donald Claflin Jewelry Studiois a hidden gem. Located in the Visual Arts Center, it's a space where students can explore everything from beadwork to advanced metalworking. Materials, including precious metals, are available, though there may be some costs depending on what you choose to work with. It's a unique opportunity to try something creative, and I've heard great things from students who have crafted their own one-of-a-kind pieces here.
Dartmouth Engineering Machine Shop
The Dartmouth Engineering Machine Shop, or "MShop," is one of the largest makerspaces on campus and is part of Dartmouth Engineering. The equipment here is extensive, with tools like CNC mills, laser cutters, welders, and lathes. While the MShop is particularly popular with engineering students, it's open to all students after completing a few short training sessions. My introduction to the space came during ENGS 021 (Introduction to Engineering), and I was impressed by the range of tools and the friendly staff who were eager to help with any questions.
In addition to these makerspaces, Dartmouth has a few other creative spaces worth exploring. The Book Arts Workshop in Baker Library offers a chance to learn traditional printing techniques, while the Ceramics Studio in the Hopkins Center provides a space to work with clay and experiment with ceramics.
Dartmouth's makerspaces provide opportunities to try new things, work on meaningful projects, and connect with peers who share similar interests. No matter what project you're pursuing, there's likely a space on campus to support your creative journey
Join me as we attend a Brovertones concert during Winterim! The Brovertones are just one of Dartmouth's many amazing acapella groups. I saw them perform during their East Coast tour.
Are you artistically inclined? Are you not artistically inclined but still love making art? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Dartmouth Donald Claflin Jewelry Studio is for you!
