Antelope Valley College is proud to recognize the outstanding scholarly achievements of students whose research has resulted in publication and acceptance in respected peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Recent AVC alumni Maria Rava, Georgina Alvarez, and Elena A. Morales have published research conducted with biology professor Dr. Nisani in the Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences. Their study examined the activity budgets of the Common Raven (Corvus corax) in urban and rural habitats of the western Mojave Desert.
By analyzing differences in raven behavior and vigilance across varying environments, the student researchers contributed valuable insight into the effects of urbanization on wildlife behavior. Their work adds to a growing body of scientific knowledge while demonstrating the impact undergraduate researchers can have on meaningful scientific inquiry.
In addition, another student-led research project from Dr. Nisani’s lab has been accepted for publication in Euscorpius – Occasional Publications in Scorpiology.
AVC students Megan Bennett, Audrey Enriquez, Mel Iniquez, Emilia Martinez Rios, and Brooklyn Stone investigated how temperature influences the defensive and predatory behaviors of the Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus obscurus).
These accomplishments are especially noteworthy because all of the research was conducted through Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) in Biology 120. Through hands-on scientific investigation, AVC students developed research skills, contributed original findings, and participated directly in the scientific publication process.
The publication and acceptance of these manuscripts highlight the curiosity, dedication, and academic excellence of AVC students. Their work reflects the college’s commitment to providing meaningful research opportunities that prepare students for continued academic and professional success.
Please join Antelope Valley College in congratulating these students and celebrating the exceptional research being conducted by AVC scholars.
