Publications and Press
Research Publications
Joanna Werner-Fraczek, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
- Werner-Fraczek, J.E. 2017. Research based learning is enhanced by ArcGIS. ArcUser, Fall 2017: 62-65.
- Werner-Fraczek, J.E. 2015. DNA barcoding for research-based learning. Barcode Bulletin, iBOL 6: 10-11.
- Werner-Fraczek, J.E. 2019. Flying With Swallows - a Model for Undergraduate Research-Based Learning. Gordon Conference 2019.
- Werner-Fraczek, J.E. 2020. Flying with Swallows: A model of Undergraduate Research Programs. SPUR, Journal of Council on Undergraduate Research. 3: 15-26.
Student research publications and post-Swallows Project work and presentations.
Biology Students
- Ayala, D. and Guevara, O. 2018. Flying with Swallows – Research Based Learning at Moreno Valley College. Proceedings NCUR.
- Ayala, Dante and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. 2021. Flying with Swallows – Building a Dietary Profile for the American Cliff Swallow Using DNA Barcoding. SATURN, Science and Technology Undergraduate Research Notes. 10:11-16.
Chemistry Students
- Comparison and Analysis of Spectroscopy, Electrochemical, and Beer's Law Methods for Determination of Zn +2 ion and Cr +3 in MVC Soil Sample. 2018. DICORP HONORS Journal, No. 3, Vol. 3.
- Contributing research papers:
- L. Amaya, K. Janoky, S. Johal, and J. Legorreta. 2018. Analysis of Electrochemical and Colorimetric Methods for Determination of Pb 2+ and Co 2+ Ion(s) respectively found in Soil Extracts from Soil Samples Utilized by Cliff Swallows.
- K. Johnson, E. Arroyo, A. Achacoso, M. Beltran, and F. De La Cruz. 2018. Analysis of Electrochemical and Colorimetric Methods for Determination of Fe+3 and Fe+2 Ion(s) in Soil Extracts from Soil Samples Utilized by Cliff Swallows.
- G. Esparza, B. Hemphill, N. Negrete, and J. Negrete. 2018. Analysis of Electrochemical and Colorimetric Methods for Determination Cu+2 Ion(s) in Soil Extracts from Soil Samples Utilized by Cliff Swallows.
- J. Marquez Cuevas, P. Mosqueda, G. Ratton, A. Seirafi, and K. Vu. 2018. Analysis of Electrochemical and Colorimetric Methods for Determination of Ni2+ Ion in Soil Extracts from Soil Samples Utilized by Cliff Swallows.
2019: Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the University of California, Riverside.
- Construction of a Yeast-Based Platform Capable of Detecting ABA-Catabolic Enzymes from Plant cDNA Libraries. S. Velasco, A. Venezuela, A. Zhou, and Y. Li.
- Understanding PLK1 and PLK4 Polarization Mechanisms. F. De la Cruz and S. Velasco.
2015
One poster from the FWS project and two oral presentations presented at the Spring Conference and Student Poster Session held on Tuesday, May 19 in Portland, Oregon sponsored by Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) and the Honors Transfer Council of California held at the University of California, Irvine:
- Assessing the Effectiveness of Detecting Lead in Water Using Electrochemical Analysis. Edward Galindo and Diane Marsh, Moreno Valley College, CA.
2016
Three posters from the FWS project and one oral presentation presented at the National Poster Session held on April 12, 2016 in Tennessee sponsored by Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI):
- Examination of Cliff Swallows Nest's and Nesting Alternative. James Corbitt, and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Moreno Valley College Fauna as Revealed by Camera Trapping. Maria Gonzalez-Bravo and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Using DNA barcoding and metabarcoding to identify potential benefits and risks associated with the presence of cliff swallows. Hector Lopez, Chase Ballard, Linda Ean, and Joanna Werner-Fraczek, Moreno Valley College, CA.
2017
Six posters from the FWS project presented at the National Poster Session held on April 26-29, 2017 in Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Minnesota, sponsored by Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI). CCURI sponsored two participants, all others were supported by the FWS project. Presentation abstracts can be viewed online.
- Analysis of Cliff Swallow's Diet and Ecoparasites in Nests. James Corbitt and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Flying with the Swallows: How Healthy is the Water and Dirt They Use? Luis Cuevas and Diane Marsh. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Monitoring Flying Insect that can be Potential Food for Cliff Swallows at the Moreno Valley College in Southern California. Josue Franco, Carolina Sanchez, Juana Pelaez Sanchez and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- The Cliff Swallow Population at Moreno Valley College – The Results of Four-Year Monitoring. Juana Pelaez Sanchez, Carolina Sanchez, Josue Franco and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Analysis of Cliff Swallow Diet Using Insect Genus Specific Primers. Carolina Sanchez, Juana Pelaez Sanchez, Josue Franco and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
- Comparing the Ratio of Transcription and Translation Using TRAP. Rebecca Bednorz and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
2018
MVC's study of cliff swallows has been selected for the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) at the University of Central Oklahoma in April 2018. The NCUR, established in 1987, is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in numerous fields of study. MVC's proposal was selected from more than 4,000 submissions. The committee cited the project's "unique contribution" to the study of cliff dwelling swallows. At the conference, MVC students will present their research and findings to a national audience of peers, faculty, staff, and experts.
- Flying with Swallows – Research Based Learning at Moreno Valley College. Dante Ayala, Osmin Guevara and Joanna Werner-Fraczek. Moreno Valley College, CA.
2019
MVC's study of cliff swallows was selected for the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Washington, D.C. in April 2019. Two MVC students had the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with California congressional representatives and senators.
- Flying With Swallows - Research Based Learning at Moreno Valley College. D. Ayala and J. Werner-Fraczek, Moreno Valley, CA.
- Moreno Valley College fauna as revealed by camera trapping and student observations. E. Arroyo-De Santi and J. Werner Fraczek, Moreno Valley, CA.
Press Coverage
As a shining example of undergraduate research initiative, local conservation efforts, and a push toward supporting STEM education, the FWS project and the efforts of MVC students have garnered local and national recognition.
- The Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI)
- October 23, 2014: Community college students research wildlife, toxins, The Press-Enterprise
- March 8, 2015: It's back-to-school time for swallows, The Press-Enterprise
- August 24, 2015: Swallows Score Moreno Valley College Grant, Moreno Valley College
- Fall 2017: Research-Based Learning Is Enhanced by ArcGIS, ArcUser
- February 7, 2018: College's Study of Cliff Swallows Selected for National Conference, Moreno Valley College
- May 24, 2018: Moreno Valley College student chosen for summer archaeological field school in Hungary, The Press-Enterprise
- May 2019: FWS project video gained facilitator's recognition in the 2019 STEM For All Video Showcase. The video had 1,100 visits from 864 visitors from 174 locations from six continents.
