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!
As someone who came into college super interested in pursuing undergraduate research, Dartmouth has not disappointed, with research opportunities available (quite literally) at every turn. As a top research institution, Dartmouth has tons of opportunities to get involved in research, whether in a lab or reading manuscripts. Also, the undergraduate focus of Dartmouth means that you'll be receiving individualized attention from leaders in your field. In this blog post, I'll talk you through the process of getting research as well as research funding available through the college!
Since arriving at Dartmouth, I've had the opportunity to work in two different labs, one in the Biology department and another in the Earth Sciences. The Biology lab worked to understand the biochemical signaling pathways induced by two hormones that lead to ripening and growth. In my current research position, I'm creating a database of river geometry measurements that we intend to use to better understand the factors that control river shape, which is super important when discussing how to restore disturbed river systems.
While it may sound like I've just gotten lucky with research positions, getting to work with both labs was as easy as sending an email. The Undergraduate Advising and Research Office maintains an online list of professors looking for undergraduate research assistants. Almost always, students who cold email a couple of professors from the list with some details about their interests and strengths will receive a research position.
After landing a research position, most students apply for funding, allowing them to get paid for their hours spent working, whether completing experiments in a traditional STEM lab or analyzing Chaucer. Applying for funding is pretty easy, with undergraduate research funds available for a variety of different fields: with applications just a couple of clicks away through the Undergraduate Advising and Research Office. As a whole, the process of navigating undergraduate research at Dartmouth is simple, with abundant research opportunities with some of the best professors in the world!
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!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
