Rachel Scarpato '08

The lasting effects of Easton’s 1960s urban renewal efforts on its Lebanese population has been the focus of research by Andrea Smith, associate professor of anthropology and sociology, and several students.

Rachel Scarpato ’08, a double major in American studies and anthropology & sociology, looked at documents in City Hall archives and conducted interviews with planning officials and residents of the demolished neighborhood. An article co-authored by Smith and Scarpato has been submitted for publication.

“It is interesting to look at how the planning and development actions of a city can have such personal, lasting effects on its residents,” says Scarpato. “I don’t think I would have had this opportunity at a larger school. Due to the small class sizes and because the professors genuinely care about the academic successes of their students, students are able to get to know their professors and become involved in research projects.”

Scarpato is a member of College Democrats and Delta Delta Delta sorority.