The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement at the LBJ School of Public Affairs is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Research Award for Advancing Democracy. This annual award honors outstanding student scholarship that deepens our understanding of democratic systems, promotes civic engagement, and drives public service.
This year’s honorees are:
- Graduate Research Award: Adriel Bustillos
- Undergraduate Research Award: Daniella Francis Cole
- Undergraduate Honorable Mention: Madison Lindsey
Their award-winning research papers reflect a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous inquiry, public policy analysis, and advocacy for democratic resilience.
Graduate Research Award: Adriel Bustillos
Adriel Bustillos is a graduate student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, where he focuses on policy research with a special interest in Latino advocacy and workforce development. With a background in Business Management and Government, he brings both academic rigor and practical experience to his work. As the Director of Operations for MASBA–School Board Members for Latino Equity, Adriel oversees organizational functions and financial stability while advancing equitable education systems. Passionate about social justice and data-driven solutions, he is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities through research and civic engagement.
His award-winning paper, Assessing the Impact of Union Membership on Political Participation and Economic Inequality Awareness, examines if organized labor union membership contributes to civic engagement.
“This award allows me to put into practice and be recognized for what I hope will be my future career, research, and academia. I can now continue my work with the honor knowing my work is advancing democracy and its importance.”
Undergraduate Research Award: Daniella Francis Cole
Daniella Francis Cole (Ella) is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Plan II Honors and International Relations and Global Studies, with a certificate in Business Spanish. A proud Texan from Corpus Christi, she has demonstrated leadership as Co-President and Founder of UT Austin’s Do That One Thing Council for Triumph Over Kid Cancer and as Co-President and Treasurer of the Plan II Students Association. She has also held leadership roles in Kappa Alpha Theta and her business fraternity while pursuing study abroad opportunities in Costa Rica, Vietnam, Singapore, and Spain. Her experiences interning in state and federal government, including with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, have shaped her interests in elections, Latin American policy, and national security. After graduation, she hopes to work in Washington, D.C. before attending law school, with the goal of serving as a JAG officer. Her paper is titled Bullets, Ballots, and Backsliding: Mexico’s Democracy in the 2024 Super Election Year.
“When I first started this thesis I wanted to bring awareness and a call to action to what I was writing about. To receive this award for advancing democracy is meaningful to me as it aligns with the goals I had set for myself when starting this project. I am immensely grateful to receive this award and thank the Patman Center for recognizing me and for my incredible mentor who encouraged me to apply in the first place. I am excited to add my contribution and pave the way to bring awareness on this topic.”
Undergraduate Honorable Mention: Madison Lindsey
Madison Lindsey (Madi) is a 2025 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in Government and Humanities. She was recognized as a Distinguished Liberal Arts Honors Scholar, a Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Honorable Mention, and received Special Honors in the Humanities for her thesis, American Women and the Journey to Citizenship. During her time at UT, Madison participated in the Archer Fellowship program, where she worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Jim Himes, and later served as a Legislative Aide in theTexas Legislative Fellowship Program for State Senator Royce West. Her experiences in both nonprofit and legislative fields have shaped her commitment to public service, and she plans to pursue law school to practice civil rights law.
"It is incredible to be contributing to a pool of research that does the work of advancing democracy. I wanted my research to create tangible criteria and steps for improvement in fields of equality and equal participation, and it’s amazing to have that work acknowledged alongside people who looked to do the same. Breaking down the implications of citizenship and the ways we often fall short of granting its full privileges— particularly when it comes to women— is an area I was excited to focus on. This award gives me hope that it’s a subject that will garner more attention in the future." -Madi Lindsey
The Patman Center congratulates Adriel, Ella, and Madison for their exceptional scholarship and dedication to public service. Their work exemplifies the Center’s mission: preparing the next generation of civic leaders through critical inquiry, engagement, and a passion for strengthening democracy.
To read their full research papers, click here.