Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal
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Nathan's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: BIOL 19 Honors Cell Structure and FunctionI 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ENGL 07.16 Investigative Memoir“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.
SpringHanover, NH
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.
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FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: PHYS 013 Introductory Physics IThe 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: SART 17.15 3D Design and Digital FabricationI 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.
Finals Week: A Journey to The Stacks
Take a walk from Foco to "The Stacks" in Baker-Berry Library in finals week!
Great Issues Scholars: Wargaming Simulation!
I spent a Saturday running a country with wargaming specialists from the U.S. Naval College! Read on to learn more about the Great Issues Scholars Program.
A Day in a Dartmouth Biology Lab!
Have you ever wondered what taking a Lab course is like at Dartmouth? Here's a snapshot of my experience!
One Email and "Breaking the Mold"
One email led me to investigate "Breaking the Mold." Read on to find out more!
Relearning How to Swim (In Two Ways)
I've plunged myself (pun intended) into Dartmouth's Triathlon Team, and I'm relearning how to swim! (Hint: One involves water and one doesn't).
Finding Myself... at Dartmouth
Hey there! I'm in the process of rediscovering who I am here at Dartmouth, so read on to learn more about how I plan find myself!
Navigating Impostor Syndrome at Dartmouth
Feelings of self-doubt can be natural at a place like Dartmouth. Read on to learn more about impostor syndrome and maybe gain some perspective from my college application journey!
A New, Green Beginning!
Welcome to the blog! I'm a member of the class of 2027, and this is my first post—a window into my life at Dartmouth after a first week of classes!