Hey all! So excited to see you here. My name is Sydney and I'm a '24 passionate about energy, education, the environment, and economic policy. I grew up in Southern California, but have also lived abroad in Gibraltar, Spain, and the Philippines. When not blogging or working at McNutt as a Senior Admissions Fellow, you can catch me involved in the Dartmouth Energy Alliance, Energy Justice Clinic, and Greek Life. I hope my blog can give you a window into Dartmouth from a student's perspective.
Academic Program
Majors in Economics and Environmental Studies, Minor in International Studies
Taught by Professor Tine, this class focused on many interdisciplinary topics within the field of education. I loved learning about the significance of early pre-K interventions on long-term behaviors, the layered complexities of the American public school system, the neuroscience behind how the brain processes new information, and much more!
As someone interested in international studies, this course opened my eyes to the complex world of global health – both the biological and social sides of achieving equity. I found this class especially applicable given the COVID-19 pandemic and often transfer knowledge from Global Health & Society into my everyday life.
Searching for Justice is a perfect blend of studying literature and law. Highlights from this course include an op-ed I produced on anti-Asian hate crimes and a fictional short story adaptation based on Japanese internment camps from Korematsu v. United States. This first-year seminar exposed me to many different court cases, and I’m now strongly considering a future career in law!
SummerClaremont, California
I spent my summer back home in Southern California, working at my high school alma mater as a Summer Fellow for their Junior Scholars program. I had a wonderful time designing curriculum for the Journalism program, planning activities for middle schoolers, and providing support in the dorms. I also spent quality time with my cousins and bonded with family by the beach.
I am an aquaphile, a lover of all things related to the water. This environmental studies course on Marine Policy was perfect for me because it dove into how humans have impacted the oceans. From coastal development to deep sea mining, we explored how to think like a policymaker and consider the many different stakeholders involved in global marine issues.
Wow, the Practice of Science Policy and Diplomacy was a blast! I was eager to get to class early every day for this Public Policy seminar. Professor Burkins introduced me to writing effective policy memos, participating in a Model Arctic Council simulation, and presenting our SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy recommendations with a state coalition.
Energy Justice examined issues of culture, power, and inequity in the necessary shift away from fossil fuels. Taught as a Social Impact Practicum, this class deepened my interest in pursuing a career in energy and environmental law. During junior year, I’m excited to continue working with Professor Kelly as a Presidential Scholar researching justice and accountability in corporate energy systems.
During my Sophomore Summer, I really enjoyed studying food systems and accessing Dartmouth’s Organic Farm as our lab for Professor Ong’s Agroecology course. It was an incredible New England summer experience learning to visualize data in R, conducting fieldwork outdoors, and working as a team on scientific research projects. A term highlight was tasting freshly tapped maple syrup from Dartmouth’s very own Sugar Crew!
I was one of six Dartmouth Economics exchange students at University College London this term. All four of my modules—UCL’s equivalent of classes—gave me a new perspective on Economics and Geography through a British lens. Economic History was my favorite as we studied industrialization, the demographic transition, and the East Asian economic miracle after World War II. I grew a deep appreciation for how the events of our past can offer important lessons for us today and into the future.
WinterNew York, New York
Since Dartmouth students typically spend their Sophomore Summer on campus, the D-Plan allows us to take a different term off to develop personally and professionally. I spent my off-term working as a corporate legal assistant intern at a law firm in New York City. It was such a thrill to live and work in the Big Apple! With many fellow Dartmouth '24s also in the NYC area, my days out of the office were full of yummy food, catching up with old friends, and exploring iconic city sights.
Drawing upon disciplines like law, psychology, and popular culture, Writing and Speaking Public Policy was all about becoming more persuasive communicators. Professor Kalish provided us with such thoughtful, detailed feedback on our assignments and arranged for class field trips to the Jones Media Center and Hood Museum of Art. I especially enjoyed the flexibility offered for our small group media campaign project, where I created a children’s book on the benefits of bringing universal pre-K to New Hampshire.
SummerMystic, Connecticut
During my junior summer, I interned as a Yale Conservation Scholar at Mystic Aquarium. Working in the Education & Conservation department, I mentored high school interns about marine science communication and public engagement. Besides attending weekly professional development workshops with the Yale School of the Environment, I also helped out with summer camps, traveling classroom programs, and citizen science projects.
I traveled to Southern Africa for the first time with Dartmouth’s Environmental Studies FSP. From conducting research on invertebrate diversity in the Namib Desert to speaking with community members at Uibasen-Twyfelfontein Conservancy, we studied Namibia's socio-ecological systems. Highlights from this incredible trip include experiencing game drives at Etosha National Park, discussing ecotourism at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and learning about Namibia’s integrated coastal zone management approach with government officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Econometrics was a pleasant surprise! While I came into this statistics-heavy course without a Stata coding background, Professor Fetter’s amazing explanations helped me feel confident about the new material. I learned so much about the assumptions required for causality and now feel equipped with the analytical tools to evaluate Economic research papers in an entirely different light.
Dartmouth operates on the quarter system, which means students take three classes per term and accumulate a total of 35 credits over their four years. This winter, I'm taking two classes that go towards my Environmental Studies major and one core Economics course.
With the recent Omicron surge, many U.S. colleges have started remote learning this term, but I'm so happy Dartmouth took measures to keep our learning experience in person. The day I arrived on campus, I headed to the Dartmouth Skiway with my friend to enjoy the snow.
Anyways, back to academics—here's a glimpse of my classes thus far!
ECON 22: Intermediate Macroeconomics
Unlike how ECON 1 (The Price System: Analysis, Problems, and Policies) introduces the basics of microeconomics, ECON 22 (Macroeconomics) takes a top-down approach to look at the economy as a whole. This discussion-based class analyzes the large-scale decisions made by countries and governments instead of individuals or specific companies. Professor Comin provides us with real-life case studies that teach us how to think responsibly like managers in multinationals, government officials, and professionals in the financial sector. We're beginning to answer questions like why is today's average American more than 10 times richer than 100 years ago? What is causing the increase in inflation? How does the growth of China impact the US dollar?
ENVS 2: Introduction to Environmental Science
ENVS 2 is my first science class since taking AP Chemistry during my senior year of high school. This introductory, lecture-focused course teaches us to what degree human activities are accelerating ecosystem decline and what role we have in influencing the trajectory of climate change. Professor Peach, Professor Chaudhary, and our TA Shauna are extremely kind and accessible through email and Zoom "Coffee Hours." We're learning about topics like agricultural systems, human population cycles, water pollution, land degradation, and solid waste and recycling. A huge component of the course is looking at creative evidence-based solutions that inspire hope and help debunk the myth that environmental science is all doom and gloom.
ENVS 80.08: The Practice of Science Policy and Diplomacy
My favorite course so far!! This smaller seminar explores the science policy process through simulations, memo writing, and group projects. After taking classes like INTS 16: Introduction to International Development and INTS 18: Global Health and Society, this summer I realized I'm one-third done with completing the public policy minor on the international development track. Professor Burkins is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and wears many hats, including serving as Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies and Chair of the U.S. National Academies' Board on International Scientific Organizations (BISO). I'm excited to learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals and participate in a model Arctic Council simulation later this term!
As I look ahead to the future terms, I'm excited for my first Green Key this spring, sophomore summer where the Class of 2024 will be united on campus, and am currently applying for study abroad programs for my junior fall. Stay tuned for more updates!
During Winterim, I met up with four other '24s in Florida. #DartmouthAroundTheWorld. Shout out to Sidney M. for hosting us!
Finally, Winterim brought a new member to our family. Meet Kelsey the mini goldendoodle!
In Solid Mechanics, we designed and constructed a bridge that held 10kN, around 1000kg! The process, from SOLIDWORKS design to laser cutting to gluing parts together, took us weeks, but it was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
