Aresty Research Center

Charles Keeton, Faculty Director, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  After earning a B.A. from Cornell University and Ph.D. from Harvard University, Professor Keeton did research at the University of Arizona and the University of Chicago before joining the faculty of Rutgers University in 2004. He studies how gravity bends light to investigate dark matter and black holes, using the Hubble Space Telescope as well as observatories around the world. Chuck Keeton's research has been featured on National Public Radio, MSNBC.com, and in New Scientist magazine.  In 2010 he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Obama for his innovative work in the integration of research and education. Learn more about Professor Keeton's research from his recent appearance on Rutgers' Breakfast at the Barracks.

Matthew Evans, Director, has taught in a variety of academic settings, administered a range of educational programs, and developed curriculum for at-risk students.  He is a strong advocate of undergraduate research experience and committed to fostering student-factuly relationships. Dean Evans earned his Masters in Education from the University of Washington, and comes to Rutgers with a strong background in both corporate and non-profit education and curricula development. He has served on the Board of Directors' Scholarship Review Committee for Seattle Education Access, a nonprofit organization that provides educational advocacy and opportunity for at-risk students.  

Joan Whalen, Assistant Director, works closely with undergraduates and faculty and manages many programs at the Center. Ms. Whalen has served Rutgers for twelve years, initially in the Graduate School of Education where she developed graduate-level academic courses, workshops on pedagogy, and team-building activities for educators and educational leaders in New Jersey. She has been at the core of the Aresty Research Center's programs and activities for the last six years and is responsible for many of the day to day operations of the Center.

Katie Pyott, Program Coordinator, comes to Rutgers from the New York Public Library where she coordinated an international fellowship program for scholars and writers. After receiving her Masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Katie worked extensively with undergraduate students, first as the General Manager of Penn Student Agencies at UPenn, and later as the Education Associate and University Liaison for the State Theatre (New Brunswick). She is excited to join the Aresty Center and is looking forward to being a resource for Rutgers students interested in research opportunities.

Cara Macaluso, Assistant Director of Educational Enrichment, works closely with faculty requesting classroom enrichment for classes across the university, including Byrne Seminars, to help connect students with faculty and enrich the undergraduate academic experience.  She also works with Campus Deans to build academic communities that reflect the culture of each individual campus.  Ms. Macaluso earned her Masters in Adult and Continuing Education from Rutgers University and is pursuing a doctorate.  Her research focuses on institutional and personal barriers experienced by mothers of young children who pursue research doctorates.