Fall Term 2025: Week 2

Hopefully you had a wonderful first week of classes! Autumn is always a vibrant and exciting time on campus.

On Friday, the families of first-year students and graduating seniors will arrive for Dartmouth’s Family Weekend. You’ll probably see parents, grandparents, and siblings walking around campus, on their way to events or participating in tours. For those of you showing your families around, consider taking them to see the LSC’s top-floor greenhouse, the Foucault pendulum swinging in the lobby of Fairchild Hall, or the Engineering and Computer Science Center. And be sure to check out the schedule of events for the chance to attend faculty talks, learning about majoring in STEM, and other opportunities!

-The WISP Team

Dartmouth ERAS Information Session

Tuesday, September 23, 4:30-5:30PM

Zoom meeting, link here

Tomorrow is the day! If you are a first-year student interested in conducting research in the STEM fields, join us for an information session to learn more about the Dartmouth Early Research Access in the Sciences (ERAS) research program. This is absolutely required if you intend to apply for an ERAS position. If you can’t attend because of a scheduling conflict, a recording will be made available on the program website shortly after the session.

The Art of Field Journaling

Tuesday, September 23, 10:00AM-12:00PM

The Link (Berry 180A)

Register here!

Keeping a field journal is an important part of the natural sciences—but anyone can do it!

Join Dartmouth’s art and STEM librarians as they introduce rare books on color theory, natural history illustrations, Materia Medica, architectural sketches, etc, and facsimiles of ancient manuscripts. At the end of the session, participants will be provided with supplies for a practice run on observing and sketching objects in nature.  

This session is open to the Dartmouth community—no experience necessary.

Beyond the Lab

Thursday, September 25, 5:00-7:00PM

Occom Commons

Our colleagues in Dartmouth NEXT and OPAL welcome you to enjoy some snacks, socialize, and sample complimentary Shea Moisture haircare and perfume products. This event includes a moderated talk with two women at the intersection of STEM and personal care: Ameka Coleman, research, founder, and owner of Strands of Faith, and Kierstyn Harris, a researcher and product developer at Unilever. Both of these women scientists are eager to share their reflections on their journey through STEM and their respective careers.

Please register here.

SALAD Pickup Day

Friday, September 26, 3:30-5:30PM

Hood Museum of Art

Did you know that you can bring works of art from the Hood Museum into your own space for the whole academic year? The Student Art Lending at Dartmouth (SALAD) program allows undergraduates and graduate students to choose from a selection of works, representing a broad range of styles and viewpoints.

The study of how the brain responds to and processes art, nature, and other stimuli is called neuroaesthetics. There is a large body of research showing how engaging with art can impact one’s mood, behavior, and even sleep patterns. So consider checking out a work that speaks to you—it may improve your dorm study experience!

Feeling left out of STEM?

Monday, September 29 (three sessions available)

DOC House

Register here!

Are you a Dartmouth undergraduate considering a STEM major or taking science courses? Have you ever felt “shut out” of science spaces—like labs, classes, or study groups?

STEM Boldly is a new initiative co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Dartmouth NEXT, and WISP, created to challenge exclusion in STEM and support students navigating those spaces. Through a series of interactive workshops, we aim to:

• Build your confidence in STEM environments

• Equip you with tools to handle difficult or isolating situations

• Make sure your voice and ideas are heard

• Create a strong peer support network and sense of community

Our first workshop will take place on Monday, September 29, at the Dartmouth Outing Club House, and will last one hour. We’re excited to welcome Dr. Carla Brodley, computer scientist and Director of the Center for Inclusive Computing at Northeastern University, as our visiting expert and workshop leader.

STEM Boldly was developed in response to student feedback—both quantitative and personal—from those who have felt marginalized or unwelcome in STEM spaces, at Dartmouth and beyond. If that resonates with you, we’d love for you to join us.