Blinn-Bryan biology student recognized with prestigious award by national honor society

Diamantina Jenkins received an Honors Case Study Challenge award at PTK Catalyst convention held recently in Kansas City, Mo.  

April 9, 2025

With plans to study biology at Texas A&M University-Texarkana at Texas A&M-RELLIS next fall, Blinn College-Bryan Campus student Diamantina Jenkins can now add a prestigious award to her list of accomplishments. A member of the Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, Jenkins recently was recognized for her scholarship during the PTK Catalyst conference held in Kansas City, Mo., April 3-5. Her project, “Disinformation Destroys Democracy,” was selected for one of four Honors Case Study Challenge awards from more than 1,200 entries.

“I almost cried while writing it,” she said. “It reflected a lot of passion, and to win is amazing.”

Jenkins’ analysis used reporting from five different sources to explore how media coverage related to voter fraud misinformation has affected elections and democracy. In addition to an award certificate, Jenkins also received a $500 scholarship.

“Diamantina is a very active and involved member of our Alpha Phi Lambda chapter of PTK,” said Bryan Campus librarian and PTK faculty advisor Rachel Valentine. “She showcases incredible leadership qualities by encouraging members to collaborate and participate in group activities. She is a kind and dedicated student who is very deserving of this recognition.”

Originally from Houston, Jenkins serves as vice president of scholarship for the Bryan Campus’s PTK chapter. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate and pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and development. As a nontraditional student, Jenkins credits Blinn’s supportive environment with helping her succeed.

“I hadn’t been to school in over a decade when I decided to enroll at Blinn,” she said. “The class size is my favorite thing because I don’t think I could have handled being in a 300-person lecture hall. At Blinn, I’ve been able to go at my own pace and not get overwhelmed. I love everyone here, especially the library staff.”

For Jenkins, there’s still more to celebrate. She and fellow Blinn-Bryan PTK officer Mike Marteney have been named to PTK’s Texas All-Academic Team and will receive medals during a special ceremony at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Friday, April 25.

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievements of students at associate degree-granting colleges. To be inducted, students must have at least a 3.5 grade point average with a minimum of 12 transferable hours. The society is comprised of more than 3.8 million members, with more than 1,200 chapters in 11 countries.