Moreno Valley College Receives Three-Year Grant for Swallows Research by Mary Matthews - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ SEPTEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
View Events
Submit Events

Moreno Valley College Receives Three-Year Grant for Swallows Research

By Mary Matthews, Community Writer
August 31, 2015 at 11:03am. Views: 67

Who says there isn’t money in birds? Moreno Valley College (MVC) has been awarded a three-year grant for $249,999 from the National Science Foundation (NSF), allowing for further study of the swallows, which make Moreno Valley College home each spring. The grant was won for its merit in an open category, competing against other universities throughout the nation for the funds, said Richard Keeler, dean of Grants for Riverside Community College District. The Flying with the Swallows (FWS) project, which was created by Joanna Werner-Fraczek, associate professor of Biology, and Diana Marsh, associate professor, Chemistry, is designed to integrate research into biology and chemistry courses with a common research theme. The project studies various aspects of swallow life within the suburban area, with an emphasis on pollutants in the swallows’ food chain and any health hazards these birds may pose to humans when located close to neighborhoods. The research project, which began three years ago, has expanded each year and now includes specialized cameras around campus, which records the swallows. The College’s swallows are cliff swallows, the same species of birds that brought fame to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Each year, the swallows are known for flocking to crevasses within highway underpasses, bridges and buildings to construct nests. In the grant proposal, Werner-Fraczek said she expects to establish a multi-year research-based initiative with a broad impact that offers participation in scientific research on subjects that are familiar (swallows); improve and increase STEM education opportunities at MVC “The project will provide a broader impact on College students, faculty, and staff, two and four-year university research faculty, staff, local businesses, and other educational institutions, students, and faculty nationwide, Werner-Fraczek said in the College’s application to NSF. “MVC will disseminate project findings based on results obtained as well as best practices. This will allow for easy replication and customization of the project at other colleges and universities.” The project will also provide opportunities for students to participate in relevant and real research opportunities and for qualified faculty to obtain professional development to enhance and improve upon solid, research-supported STEM pedagogy and teaching strategies. ​

Related Articles

Barney Barnett to Share Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove
Photo Courtesy of: Highgrove News

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 646

Barnett has served as the publisher of the Highgrove Happenings newspaper since 1994.Barnett will hold a free event, titled “Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove,” will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Norton Younglove Community Center, 459 Center Street in Highgrove.

Inland Empire Called on to Play Part in Hunger Action Month
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 902

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the communities FARSB serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 13.8% in Riverside County to a high of 15.6% in San Bernardino County.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Annaleya Flores
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 866

GTHS Senior and student-athlete Annaleya Flores is making her mark on the field and in the classroom while helping lead the Lady Titans during their inaugural GTHS Girls Flag Football season.

Assemblymember Ramos Launches County's Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Photo Courtesy of: Office of Assemblymember James Ramos

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 944

California Assemblymember James Ramos is the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, the official launch of the 2026 Christmas fundraising campaign. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Event Center in Highland, California.

From Dishwasher to Restaurateur: Mike Miller Brings 52 Years of Experience to Timber Ridge
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

August 28, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 1640

Mike Miller & Lori Miller, Restaurateurs of Timber Ridge Steakhouse, the newsest restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino located in the familiar spot previously occupied by Claim Jumper, and for those of us "older folks", Bobby McGees. You can find Mike & Lori at 1905 Commercenter E San Bernardino CA, 92408

It's Time to Get SOARING!
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1222

Fall 2026 Soaring Activity Guide is hitting the mail this week, and it’s chock-full of all the exciting things the City has planned throughout the Fall.

Stay Cool This Summer at a MoVal Cool Center
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 948

When temperatures climb to 97 degrees and above, heat-sensitive residents may seek refuge at the City of Moreno Valley's designated cool centers.

Moreno Valley Receives CMTA Investment Policy Certification
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1000

he City of Moreno Valley has received the California Municipal Treasurers Association’s Investment Policy Certification, recognizing the City’s commitment to responsible and transparent management of public funds.

FARSB Makes the Advocacy High Honor Roll for 4th Year in a Row

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1197

Targeted Crime Suppression – Operation Consequences: 5 arrests, 10 firearms seized
Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1265

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county.

Ayala Park Celebrates New Improvements

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1061

Bloomington residents gathered at Ayala Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new improvements designed to enhance accessibility, safety and comfort for children and families.

City Council Appoints Kimberly Huerta Youth Commissioner
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González)

By Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González), Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1111

Kimberly Huerta, Youth Commissioner and Chair of Colton Youth Council and Dr.G, Council Member and Advisor to the program.

--> -->