The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement at the LBJ School of Public Affairs is proud to announce the 2026 Spring Patman Scholars. This fellowship supports UT Austin students who demonstrate exceptional promise as future civic leaders by providing financial assistance for internships directly with elected or appointed government officials.
Through the Patman Scholars program, students gain hands-on experience in public service while receiving funding to support unpaid or underpaid internships. In addition to financial support, scholars are invited to exclusive professional development opportunities, including mentorship, speaker events, and direct engagement with policymakers shaping today’s political landscape.
This year’s Spring Patman Scholars are:
Charlotte Thomson
Internship: Office of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R)
Charlotte Thomson is a third-year student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double honors degree in History and Government, with honors theses underway in both fields. She currently interns in the office of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and previously worked as a Government Relations intern at a Fortune 500 energy company. Outside of her policy work, Charlotte serves on the executive board of Phi Alpha Theta and has studied abroad in Vienna.
“Being a Patman Scholar allows me to pursue essential, hands-on experience in public service. I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this fellowship.”
Elsa Syed
Internship: Office of Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D)
Elsa Syed is a freshman studying Public Affairs with a focus on law, public policy, and institutional accessibility. She currently serves as a legislative intern in the Texas Senate with Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, supporting legislative research and constituent engagement. Elsa is also an LBJ School ambassador and actively involved in student leadership and policy organizations on campus.
“Being named a Patman Scholar is especially meaningful as a freshman beginning my path in public service. This fellowship is an important step toward my future in law and policy, and I’m excited to learn from mentors, connect with civic leaders, and gain real-world experience making government more accessible.”
Siri Meghan Byrapaneni
Internship: Policy Intern, Office of Congressman Michael McCaul (R)
Siri Meghan Byrapaneni is a senior pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Plan II Honors. She currently interns for Congressman Michael McCaul, assisting with constituent casework and community engagement. On campus, she serves as a consultant for Consult Your Community and has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, including cycling over 4,500 miles with Texas 4000 for Cancer.
“Being named a Patman Scholar is a tremendous honor and reinforces my commitment to public service and thoughtful leadership rooted in stewardship.”
Jasmine John
Internship: Office of Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen (R)
Jasmine John is a first-year Business Honors student with a strong interest in constitutional law and public policy. She is passionate about addressing emerging challenges to governance and applying her skills in research, marketing, and analysis to protect democratic institutions and freedoms.
“Being a Patman Scholar has given me the opportunity to explore how I can be most impactful in serving my country.”
Christina Salas
Internship: State Representative Mary González (D-75)
Christina Salas is a first-year Public Affairs student from San Antonio, Texas, with a passion for civic engagement and community impact. She currently interns in the Texas House of Representatives with State Representative Mary González and is actively involved in student leadership through the Senate of College Councils and the President’s ADA Accessibility Committee.
“As someone in the early stages of my public service journey, being a Patman Scholar opens doors to the people and opportunities that will shape my career. I’m excited to continue growing as a civic leader and fully engage in everything this program offers.”
The Patman Center congratulates this year’s scholars for their dedication to public service and commitment to civic leadership. Their diverse experiences and ambitions reflect the Center’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to engage thoughtfully and effectively in government and public life.
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Anjali Gladson
Anjali Gladson is a proud UT Austin alumna, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Government with minors in National Security & International Business and Arabic. During her time at UT, she was actively involved in student programming, outreach, and research, including serving as a Senior Student Associate for the Intelligence Studies Project, contributing to research on peacekeeping and disinformation, and being selected for competitive fellowships with the Clements Center for National Security and the Strauss Center for International Security and Law. Now, in her role at the Patman Center, she supports programming, student engagement, and outreach efforts to help cultivate the next generation of public leaders.