Hey! I'm Owen from Hollywood, Florida and I'm a '24. My favorite activities are listening to music, running, and reading the same books over and over again. I'm an Earth Science modified with Physics major and Biology minor who loves "The New Yorker," the outdoors, and reading. On campus, I'm involved with hydrological research, the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, Hillel, Greek Life, and—obviously—this blog!
Academic Program
Major in Earth Science modified with Physics & a Minor in Biology
A freshman-only introductory biology class taught by an amazing professor who's super invested and wants students to make friends and develop a love of cell biology.
A really cool introductory Earth Science course that taught the basics of geology, Earth history, and paleontology: all in one super accessible course.
This class taught us the basics of the R programming language in order to use it to analyze real-life hydrologic data. In class, we got to analyze datasets about rain, river discharge, flooding, and acid rain, using only the skills we gained from this course with no prerequisites.
This discussion-based geography class was my first interaction with the Geography Department, which other students have been raving to me about. The class, which is cross-listed with African-American Studies, analyzes how locations shape black embodiment and identity. Super cool stuff!
It's the end of week 4 and midterm season really seems to be rolling around, with packed libraries and heavily caffeinated students all around. While we're really in the midst of grind season, the weather keeps getting nicer and students can be seen studying on the green, going on hikes, and hanging around on the porch at Collis Center. Considering that we're almost halfway through the term, I thought I'd do a little what I do in a day, especially since I wasn't on campus last term.
10 AM to 11 AM
On Thursdays, I don't have class until 12:30 so I always have time to sleep in for a little, usually until around 10 or 10:30. After waking up, I head to the Class of 53 Commons dining hall (aka Foco) to grab some food before preparing for my chemistry lecture; we're talking about quantum mechanics now and—though it's been interesting—it has been challenging.
11 to 12:30 PM
After breakfast, I went to the library (my current favorite study location is the East Reading Room in Baker Library) and wrote a couple paragraphs for my philosophy paper. The class focuses on the intersections between evolution, religion, and cosmology and I really love it! The professor is so accessible and he's so excited to hear our opinions and talk about the philosophy of science.
12:30 PM to 2:50 PM
Leaving the library and moving into the far more social space of Novack Café, I went to my chemistry lecture, ate lunch, and then met up with my friend Maggie to collaborate on the finishing touches of an earth science assignment, which made us analyze the discharge from the White River located in the Upper Valley. In our Big Data Science in Hydrology class, we have coding assignments due after every class, usually using local data to learn about hydrological concepts.
2:50 to 10 PM
After finishing my Earth Science assignment, the other students in my class and I head over to Steele Hall for our in-person class. Right after class, I went back to Novack to finish some work and do some chemistry reading. From there, I was off to Foco for dinner with my friend Meggie (yes, there's a Meggie & a Maggie) and then back to room to get ready for a meeting for the Undergraduate Journal of Science. Once I finished that, I changed into pajamas, totally excited for an evening of Netflix and hanging out with my roommate. All in all, it was a pretty good day!
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
As I approach the halfway mark of my Dartmouth journey this spring, I find myself reflecting on the significance of distributive and world culture requirements in shaping my academic experience.
Witnessing an eclipse was one of the most exciting days in my life to date, and a solid reminder of our place in this universe. Read on to hear about it!
