Hanlon Scholars Winterim Trip

Each Winterim, the Scholars Programs team organizes an enrichment trip for first-year Hanlon Scholars to introduce them to a range of research disciplines through hands-on learning experiences. For the inaugural 2024 trip, we selected Reykjavik, Iceland, to align with the academic interests of many of our '28 Scholars, who arrived at Dartmouth with a strong focus on climate studies, engineering, and economics. The trip was designed to immerse scholars in research across three key areas: Icelandic arts and culture, geothermal energy, and volcanology. Through direct engagement with these fields in a setting rich with innovation and natural wonders, the Scholars deepened their understanding of interdisciplinary research while experiencing Iceland's unique cultural landscape.

The Winterim Research Immersion trip was a central part of the first-year Hanlon Scholar experience, with three main goals:

• Expose first-year scholars to diverse research fields – Broadening their exposure to different research methodologies and areas of inquiry.
• Encourage reflection on personal connections to research – Providing an opportunity for scholars to consider their own relationship to interdisciplinary research.
• Foster community among the first-year cohort – Strengthening bonds and creating a shared experience across the group.

Day 1: Icelandic Arts & Culture

• Visit the University of Iceland for a seminar and exhibition tour with Professor Emily Lethbridge.
• Explore contemporary Icelandic design and architecture with Dartmouth professor, Chad Elias at the Harpa Concert Hall.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Enjoy an Icelandic jazz performance at the Harpa Concert Hall.

Day 2: Geothermal Energy 

• Visit the Geothermal Exhibition for a Carbfix Tour, including a carbon reinjection borehole.
• Lunch at Friðheimar, a unique Icelandic greenhouse restaurant.
• Seminar on energy economics Professor Ewa Ryszarda Lazarczyk Carlon at Reykjavik University.
• Explore Reykjavik's street food scene with a group outing.
• Take a small group tour to see the Northern Lights.

Day 3: Volcanology & Geology

• Take a guided tour of the lava fields and Fagradalsfjall volcano at Reykjanes Geopark.
• Visit the Hafnarfjordur Christmas market for an evening of shopping and festive treats.