AMP Lab Staff

Steven MalonSteve Malin

Steve Malin is the Director of the Applied Metabolism & Physiology Laboratory (AMP Lab). He has appointments in medicine and is affiliated with the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health as well as the Institute for Translational Medicine and Science. Dr. Malin is interested in understanding how exercise can be used as a “drug” to combat obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Considering how nutrition, medication/dietary supplements and/or bariatric surgery work with exercise is an important element in the group for improving health and well-being. The working hypothesis in the lab is that insulin resistance is a key pathologic factor in chronic disease that relates to altered substrate metabolism, endothelial function, appetite, and inflammation. Apprenticeship with graduate and undergraduate students is an important approach used to advance these understandings. Dr. Malin is actively involved in various professional organizations, including American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association, and enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, and cycling/hiking.

Untitled design 44Ryan Hudgins

Ryan Hudgins is a PhD student in the Kinesiology and Applied Physiology graduate program at Rutgers University. He earned both his Bachelor’s degree (2023) and Master’s degree (2025) in Kinesiology from Washington State University. Ryan’s research interests include metabolism and human energy systems, with a particular interest in how exercise influences type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. His long-term goal is to become a University Professor and lead research in metabolic medicine aimed at improving the health and functional capacity of individuals affected by these conditions. In addition to his research, Ryan serves as a teaching assistant for the Systems Physiology course, where he enjoys sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation of students. Outside of academics, Ryan is an avid endurance athlete who trains for Ironman Triathlons. He enjoys playing the guitar/bass and listening to a wide range of music, including punk rock, reggae, metal, and rock.

Untitled design 44Emily Heiston

Emily Heiston is a Project Scientist/Clinical Coordinator of the AMP Lab. She is a 2020 graduate of the University of Virginia where she received her PhD in Exercise Physiology. Emily then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Pauley Heart Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she also received an MS in Clinical and Translational Sciences. Emily is interested in studying how lifestyle or pharmacological therapies can be utilized to reduce disease risk. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, reading, and being a fan of BTS

Untitled design 44Adrian Becker

Adrian Becker is a graduate student in the Nutrition program at Rutgers University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and an MBA, with several years of experience in the food and beverage industry. His research interests focus on metabolic health, particularly the effects of exercise, circadian rhythms, and dietary interventions on appetite regulation, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism. He aims to explore how metabolism adapts to lifestyle factors, with a focus on diabetes and obesity. At the AMP Lab, Adrian is involved in studying how exercise influences metabolic pathways and energy balance. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing basketball, singing, and playing the guitar.

Untitled design 44Becci Fluchel

Becci Fluchel is a Research Assistant in the received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in 2024. She was a student-athlete and two-year captain on the Rutgers Women's Soccer team. She has a passion for people and the impact that exercise has on health. She plans to attend medical school to fulfill her dream to be a physician who improves the health and lives of those in need. In her free time, Becci enjoys exercising, cooking and playing with her dogs.

Untitled design 44Matthew Vigliotti

Matthew Vigliotti is a research coordinator of the AMP lab. He received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Delaware in 2022. He then completed his graduate schooling at Wake Forest University in 2024, where he received his master's degree in Health and Exercise Science with a focus on lower extremity biomechanics. Matt has a passion for exercise therapies and their ability to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, running, playing tennis or pickleball with friends, and watching his beloved New York Yankees.

Knowledge gained from our team is directly disseminated through educational courses in Kinesiology and Health as well as the community. Together, we strive to provide information that helps people achieve their personal and/or academic goals.