Hi there! I'm Nathan, a '27 from Lynn, MA (just outside Boston). I'm an intended Engineering Sciences Major and Studio Art Minor—I like to understand, design, and create things. I also love reading about history, writing, and photography (hence this blog). On-campus, I'm involved in the Triathlon Team, French Living Learning Community (LLC), and Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship. Explore my posts for an inside perspective of everything Dartmouth has to offer!
I 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.
“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.
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.
Like many of Dartmouth's centers and institutes, the CPD is an acronym: "The Center for Professional Development." It may not sound particularly exciting, but trust me—the CPD can work wonders; it can help you fulfill your deepest ambitions and turn them into reality.
At first glance, the CPD may seem like a typical hub for career advancement and the job search process, but there's much more to it. Yes, there are resume workshops, curated job options, and an alumni networking platform—but the greatest assistance comes from the Center's coaching staff. Each coach is available for one-on-one meetings and is extremely knowledgeable about how to make the most of the available resources.
When I began my summer internship search process during winterim (the break between fall and winter terms at Dartmouth), I made my first appointment to finalize a resume and didn't think much of it. Sure, I was able to create a more tailored resume for the opportunities I was applying for, but the work seemed mostly done. My applications were all for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) funded by the National Science Foundation; I was hopeful for positive results.
It wasn't until a few months later, when I received a variety of rejection emails, that I realized I might need to find an alternative to a formal, program-based research opportunity. I hadn't anticipated the intense competition surrounding these programs, and the fact that I would be competing against upperclassmen from across many universities. Thus, I made another—more desperate—appointment earlier this spring to discuss my options. There was Handshake, LinkedIn, cold emailing alumni, and most importantly, there was an application to self-fund my own internship. I happily submitted the application and embarked on a cold emailing spree, reaching out to every alum whom I was interested in (and professors at other institutions).
In the end, I secured a research position in a sports physiology lab that will allow me to explore my interests in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. This experience became possible because I was fortunate enough to receive the self-funded grant! Now I'll be able to spend the summer on my own terms while still engaging with a meaningful and fulfilling opportunity.
(Note: Similar funding options can be found at Dartmouth; it's a common trend. Other organizations such as the Dickey Center for International Understanding, Center for Social Impact, and Hopkins Center for the Arts allow students to create custom internships.)
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!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
