Hi everyone! I'm Yehalah and I'm a '26 coming all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka. My academic passions lie in Energy Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am a first-generation and low-income student, actively involved with the community. I love to paint and read during my free time. I'm excited that you're here, and I hope you enjoy this account of my life at Dartmouth!
Taking an art class has long been a dream of mine. Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley exceeded my expectations greatly! He is an inspiring instructor who allowed us creative freedom, while guiding us in the right direction. We drew in different forms of charcoal, with colour introduced towards the end of the term. I loved my experience and I cannot wait to take another Studio Art class!
The sequel to Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley! We worked in oil paint, which I was completely new to and admittedly afraid to use. I ended up falling in love with the medium and the flexibility it gave me to adjust and refine my paintings at any point in the process. I am sad to finish this class and I hope I get to take another Studio Art class in the future!
Moving to America was a drastic adjustment, especially considering the difference in perception of race and ethnicity. This class gave me a insight into past and current American oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. I loved how much I learnt through this class, which was also my First Year Seminar requirement.
My first language class at Dartmouth! Taking German was intimidating, especially because of the fast-paced and rigorous learning method that Dartmouth uses. It was so interesting to learn the different grammar and rules used in the German language. I cannot wait to use my Beginner German skills in Berlin next Spring!
The Sacred Architecture of Asia is one of the most incredible courses I have taken at Dartmouth! The course is primarily discussion-based, with Professor Seher explaining and initiating conversation about the course material. The material assigned was incredibly inspiring and taught me so much about South Asian religions and their beginnings. Everywhere I travel now, I think about the lessons I have learnt in this class and I am truly grateful to Professor Seher for facilitating an incredible learning experience!
Learning about German history in Berlin was a great way to explore the city and culture! The class had weekly excursions where we visited important sites in Berlin, which was so informative and helpful. Overall, I learnt so many new aspects of Germany and the people who played a significant role in German history.
SummerPerrysburg, Ohio
Interning at First Solar, a solar panel manufacturing company! I work on the Application Engineering team under Product Management, developing ways to better serve our clients and enhance our products. It has been an amazing experience so far, I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this opportunity!
Dartmouth has an incredible range of research opportunities. Having no research experience was not an obstacle for me, as professors are always willing to teach someone new. This year, I was awarded the EE Just Undergraduate Fellowship, which I am so excited about!
The EE Just Program, named after Ernest Everett Just, a Dartmouth Valedictorian and pioneering African American cell biologist, strives to cultivate a STEM ecosystem where systematically excluded and racial minorities can thrive. The community offers a variety of programs to get involved in, one of which is the Undergraduate Fellowship.
The EE Just Undergraduate Fellowship awards students with research funding for their junior and senior years for all terms. During "off terms," where students don't take classes, the Fellowship covers housing, a meal plan, and a research stipend. For "on terms," where students take classes, the Fellowship offers a stipend for part-time work! They also provide professional development funding for events like conferences. To find out more about EE Just check out their websitehere.
I will be starting Offshore Wind Energy Research this term with Professor Elizabeth Wilson and Research Assistant Tyler Hansen. In particular, I will be diving into power transmission in offshore wind energy projects. This includes understanding the mechanical and electrical parts of a wind turbine, different structures of power transmission, and the industry dynamics.
To apply to EE Just, I emailed Professor Wilson and developed a 3-page project proposal alongside her and her team. This process took me around two weeks to complete, involving extensive research and formulation of a two-year plan. The deadline for this application is sometime during the Winter Term of sophomore year. After submitting my application, I was invited to an interview and notified of my acceptance in May!
A diagram I developed as a part of my research proposal!
In addition to the extensive research exposure and knowledge I will gain from this fellowship, I am excited to engage with the amazing EE Just community, who I meet once a week for "Jam Sessions." Dartmouth continues to provide me with these incredible opportunities, and I am so grateful for this experience!
What a wonderful summer! From joining a summer dance ensemble to regularly canoeing along the Connecticut River, I reflect on the aspects that made Sophomore Summer one of the most memorable Dartmouth traditions I've taken part in.
Dartmouth students enjoy diverse summer experiences, balancing productivity and leisure through local jobs, remote internships, and programs like the First-Year Fellows, each offering unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Hola chicos! Do not worry I know I might be making you a little hungry but I promise it'll be worth it! Come and take a seat with me at the cookout table:)
I'm starting my sophomore year feeling more grounded and clear about my academic and personal goals after a whirlwind first year of exploration. This fall, I'm excited for new experiences!
