A photo of Patricia Jenkins standing in front of some foliage. Patricia Jenkins loves science, and wants to help students of all ages develop an appreciation for it. 

Jenkins has worked as a physics lab technician at San Bernardino Valley College for almost ten years. She came to SBVC because she thought it would be "a great way to work in the field of my degree," and has found the position to be "interesting and fun." 
  
When the George F. Beattie Planetarium's specialist retired, Jenkins stepped up and offered to help run the facility while a successor was found. She also advocated for a new system that would allow the Planetarium to offer more shows. 
  
"I wanted the program to continue without a break until a replacement was found, for the public and our own students, and for the area schools who come to the Planetarium for field trips," she said. 
  
Jenkins' dedication to SBVC's Planetarium and passion for her job inspired her colleagues to nominate her for the Spotlighting Our Success Science Achievement Award in the spring of 2019. When Jenkins learned she had won, she was "stunned, amazed, and very appreciative." 
  
Jenkins enjoys the camaraderie she feels with her co-workers, and the positive environment found across campus. 
  
"The people who work here are all really nice, and the students seem truly interested in learning," she said.