Each year, UT faculty may nominate or students may enter to win this award that highlights outstanding thinking and scholarship in research that focuses on strengthening our democracy.
The Patman Center Research Award for Advancing Democracy seeks to recognize outstanding thinking that helps our democracy thrive. Through academic scholarship and innovation, we hope to uplift research that demonstrates exceptional insight and dedication to advancing the cause of democracy.
Students may submit their research to win a $1,000 award celebrating their contributions to strengthening democracy.
Examples of topics that could be awarded, but are not limited to are: civic participation, public engagement, misinformation/disinformation, campaign finance reform, civility in public discourse, elections, voting, redistricting, political theory and other research focused on helping us understand our democracy and imagine ways to improve it.
Individuals and group collaborations are welcome to apply. UT students at all levels (undergraduate and graduate) are invited and can be from any department at the University.
This award seeks to highlight new knowledge or ideas that reinforce democracy. Applications must include:
- A list of all research contributors with email addresses, units/departments, and UT EIDs
- Short (one paragraph) biographies for each research contributor, including the degree they are seeking, what sort of career they are hoping to have, and your expected year of graduation.
- An abstract, or one or two paragraph overview, of the research
- The research report, including bibliography and citations
- Any supplemental resources that the research has generated including one-pagers, memos or presentations.
Award recipients will be invited to attend a Patman Center Leadership Symposium in the fall to receive a certificate honoring their contributions and will be invited to offer a few words about their research to attendees. Awardees will also be highlighted in a Patman Center email newsletter and on the Patman Center’s website.
Applications are now being accepted through May 22, 2026.
Email all application materials to: LBJPatmanCenter@austin.utexas.edu
2025 Winners
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 an academic background in Business Management and Government, he combines rigor with hands-on experience in public service. Adriel serves as the Director of Operations for MASBA–School Board Members for Latino Equity, where he oversees organizational functions and financial stability, while advancing equitable education systems and advocating for underrepresented communities. Passionate about social justice and data-driven solutions, he is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities through research and civic engagement.
Daniella Cole
Daniella Francis Cole, known as 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 working in state and federal government, including with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, shaped her interest in elections, Latin American policy, and national security. After graduation, she hopes to return to Washington, D.C. before attending law school, with the ultimate goal of serving as a JAG officer.
Madison Lindsey
Madison Lindsey 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 was selected for the prestigious Archer Fellowship program, where she worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Jim Himes, and later served as a Legislative Aide in the Texas Legislative Fellowship Program for State Senator Royce West. These experiences, along with her work in the nonprofit and legislative fields, have shaped her commitment to public service. Madison plans to pursue law school, where she aspires to practice civil rights law.