Centennial High School and Valley Fever Americas Foundation Collaborate for Important Research
by KCFM
by KCFM
Feb 20, 2025
Photo Courtesy Erin Briscoe-Clarke, Kern High School District
Centennial High School (CHS) is proud to collaborate with the Valley Fever Americas Foundation for the third year. The foundation provided $3,000 in grants to CHS, allowing students to learn and participate in valuable Valley Fever research, contributing to public health awareness in our community.
More than 200 science students have participated in educational activities, with 70 engaging in laboratory analysis. Students collect dust samples from sites across Kern County, map them using ArcGIS, and conduct DNA extraction to detect the Valley Fever-causing fungus. Positive samples are further analyzed by California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and incorporated into an ongoing research database. Grant funds have supported the purchasing of essential lab equipment, including micropipettes, DNA extraction kits, a freezer, and other research materials.
"The Valley Fever Research Project allowed me to make a powerful impact in my community," said CHS senior Morgan George. "Growing up in California's Central Valley, I was aware of the prevalence of Valley Fever and the health risks it posed on our local population. Beyond the technical skills, this project taught me the weight of conducting research that has real implications for public health in my hometown."
Science teacher Kristin Hudlow emphasized the program's value, "Thanks to the Valley Fever Awareness Grant, I am able to offer my students a real-world experience through research, education, and application of lab skills. Students can participate in a citizen science project and contribute to a data set that will be used by scientists. Through learning about Valley Fever, they can also be better advocates for their health as they explore prevention, detection, and treatment of the disease. Involving students in solving a problem in their community is one of the best ways to engage them in their education."
CHS has expanded awareness of this project by showcasing an educational display in the library and actively engaging students, families, and the KHSD community. Learn more about Valley Fever Americas Foundation at valleyfever.com
Erin Briscoe-Clarke
erin_briscoe@kernhigh.org
(661) 827-3171
