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.
Over this past June and July, I've been able to aid biomechanics research in the Integrated Locomotion Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As I mentioned in this overview of the Center for Professional Development (CPD), I was able to self-fund this opportunity after reaching out directly to the lab. My personal interests in running, data analysis, as well as product and shoe design led me to pursue such an opportunity.
My position involved a combination of remote and in-person work and my housing was covered by Dartmouth's funding. I learned how motion capture systems, force-plate treadmills, and inertial measurement units can be used to quantify human gait—all of which is fancy jargon for different equipment commonly used in biomechanics research. My work was all about how to quantify running and delving into research questions that address different parameters of movement.
The biomechanics lab in all its glory
My central project, however, focused on using accelerometers placed on the thigh and shank as a way to collect data to describe differences in trail running. Since most biomechanical analyses occur in a controlled lab setting, my project was more novel in the sense that I had to deal with the challenge of measuring gait in outdoor settings. I also helped out on a variety of projects that other graduate students and postdocs were working on in the lab. One example was a series of pilot data collections for a graduate student's masters thesis; another was a pilot for Puma (yes, the shoe company) regarding an unreleased stability shoe. This allowed me to gain a better understanding of biomechanics as a field and has broadened my understanding of what a career in such a niche yet important industry could offer.
Overall I've enjoyed my time in Amherst; the downtown reminded me of Hanover and I was able to explore the local area through various bikes and runs. The grand finale of the experience came at the end, where I and other undergraduate research assistants were able to visit the Puma product innovation department in Boston. I was able to see their newest shoes in the works and learn about how biomechanical analyses can inform the job of footwear designers. The Puma HQ was fully outfitted with cafes in a modern architectural setting with decor that hinted at their history. It was pretty neat to see the evolution of their shoes and meet the teams that bring such products into reality!
A black display case lit by neon red lights holding various evolutions of Puma shoes
A modern industrial room with students gathered around a treadmill.
Unlike some other universities, many of the STEM lecture classes at Dartmouth require concurrent enrollment in a laboratory section. What is it like navigating that time as a student?
When asked about my favorite term at Dartmouth, I'll enthusiastically answer, "Sophomore Summer!" Whether it's the enhanced beauty or community on campus, one aspect stands out as the highlight of my term: the start of summer dance ensembles!
