Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Dartmouth Faith Reflections: A Spiritual Agnostic Perspective
Ever since I took a course on world religions in high school, I've been fascinated by the existence and persistence of religion. This might seem unusual since I myself have never been religious. My upbringing was largely devoid of religion, but I've always felt compelled to regard faith as a legitimate way of knowing—a path I simply don't choose to partake in. For this week's post, I'd like to share some reflections on navigating faith as a student at Dartmouth from the perspective of someone who grew up agnostic yet spiritual.
At Dartmouth, there are plenty of blog posts on People Places Pines where other students reflect on their experiences with faith. If you're interested in a closer look at the faith community here, I highly recommend Adrian's post on "Staying Connected to Faith at Dartmouth" or Love's "Introduction to the Tucker Center." Each post offers unique insights into religious life on campus, which is valuable even for those of us who stand outside formal religious traditions.
While religion isn't at the forefront of my Dartmouth experience, I occasionally wonder what percentage of Dartmouth undergraduates, or even my friends, are religious. In my experience, religious affiliation—or the lack thereof—hasn't played a defining role in how I've connected with others here. Still, with friends who are religious, I genuinely enjoy conversations about their beliefs and the role faith plays in their lives. It's rewarding to see how faith systems shape their perspectives and experiences.
One thing I haven't done much is participate directly in religious organizations on campus. Still, I appreciate how open and approachable they seem. I've never felt any stigma around my non-religious background in conversations, whether with classmates or friends, and that sense of acceptance has been comforting.
The Church of Christ at Dartmouth
Last year, I had an unexpectedly memorable experience with the faith community on campus. My flight home for Winter Break got delayed, leaving me here for Thanksgiving for the first time. I ended up joining a Thanksgiving supper at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth, where I shared a meal and meaningful conversations with members of both the Dartmouth community and the wider Upper Valley.
One of my less "religious" yet enjoyable experiences with a faith-based community was discovering Dartmouth ChristianWaffles. Several Christian groups on campus come together to host a weekly waffle giveaway outside the Rockefeller Center. Waffles, conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere—thank you, AQ, for this delightful tradition!
Though I'm not religious, I've come to appreciate the warmth and openness of the religious communities at Dartmouth. They foster connection and dialogue, welcoming all members of campus—regardless of belief—into a broader conversation about meaning and belonging. I'm also encouraged by the formation of a new Secular Student Alliance under Tucker Center this term, which adds another dimension to this inclusive dialogue. For that, I am grateful.
