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.
The Thayer School of Engineering isn't a separate college from Dartmouth, but it's very much its own self-sufficient bubble tucked away on the west end of campus. It's a sprawling array of brick, glass, and metal buildings that seem to capture both the vintage and futuristic vibes of engineering (or maybe it's just me). Regardless, what's important is the fact that engineering here at Dartmouth is unique—and I'm just starting to realize how unique.
Engineering is treated as one discipline among many. In other words, Dartmouth turns engineering into an interdisciplinary field that students can engage with on an individual basis. The engineering major can be customized with many areas of study (technically any), including biology, public policy, chemistry, environmental science, and more. I'm tentatively considering modifying my engineering major with studio art! (Common for students interested in physical product design and architecture, see all options here.)
The major itself can be difficult to commit to right away, as there are many prerequisites, but Thayer does a great job advising on courses and providing alternatives. The Human-Centered Design minor, for example, is a popular option for non-majors still seeking a "design thinking" component to their degree.
Once you get to the actual engineering courses, then everything clicks. I still have prerequisites to complete, but I recently wrapped up ENGS 21 Introduction to Engineering. The class condenses the design, prototyping, and testing phases of creating a product or technology into the timespan of a 10-week term. It's all hands-on and project-based learning, which is time-consuming but completely rewarding. I've gained exposure to the range of fabrication services offered by the machine shop and gotten to know wonderful faculty who could help me during future projects (Read more about ENGS 21 in this post!).
Here are the project cubbies for ENGS 21 near the end of the term—everyone is finishing their final prototypes!
Ultimately, the nature of engineering at Dartmouth has allowed me to determine it's right for me. Between the people, courses, and the flexibility that the major provides, I couldn't ask for something more rewarding and intellectually stimulating. I'm excited to see where the major takes me—and how exactly I engineer my engineering!
(If you want to learn more about engineering at Dartmouth, I would start with this introductory video)
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!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
