Brantley Gray, Louisiana Tech Honors student, recently received a Pioneer Award worth $1,000 from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. As the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society, Gray is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award.
The Pioneer Awards are designed to encourage undergraduate members to develop the research, engagement, and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.
A senior biology major minoring in technical writing, Gray was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2026 at Louisiana Tech University, utilizing her membership right away during her academic career.
“By choosing to join the Honors College, I raised my academic standards and became more immersed with other top achieving students,” Gray said. “This is an aspect of what has continued to push me to achieve higher goals throughout college.”
The selection process for a Pioneer Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, honors and awards, relevant research experience, service and leadership experience on and off campus, a personal statement, and letter of recommendation.
Throughout her academic studies, Gray has completed research papers on topics including myocardial tissue regeneration using stem cells and Staphylococcus aureus. Her research proposal is also published in Louisiana Tech University’s Technical Writing Course Manual 2025-2026. Along with her research, she also serves in various leadership roles such as the professional development chair for Louisiana Tech’s National Society of Collegiate Scholars and treasurer for Phi Mu.
According to Joel Stake, director of Honors College, this award reflects Gray’s accomplishments as an undergraduate researcher and the opportunities available to Honors students at Louisiana Tech.
"We are excited that Brantley has received this award for her undergraduate research accomplishments,” Stake said. “It is a tremendous honor for Phi Kappa Phi to name her among the nationwide awardees. This recognition continues to shine a spotlight on the innovative work our students are doing and the transformational learning experiences our faculty and the University provide."
“I feel I received the Pioneer Award because of my excelling involvement on campus and in my community, varying leadership positions involving innovation, shadowing experiences, academic transcript, and publication, as well as my unique ‘why’ behind my pursuit of service and academic excellence,” Gray added.
The Pioneer Award, established in 2022, is the newest addition to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which currently gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national, and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates through this program.