Her Story
About Magdalaine
Magdalaine Davis is a Political Candidate Academic Researcher based in West Lafayette, Indiana, whose work centers on documenting how sexual violence has been used as a weapon during armed conflict and political instability. Since beginning her research career in January 2024, she has evaluated international datasets from conflicts such as those in the United States and Bosnia, worked to identify patterns in the behavior of rebel groups and state actors, and contributed to methodologies for classifying genocidal sexual violence. She is building a professional portfolio to share her findings through LinkedIn, with the goal of encouraging greater collaboration and awareness within the human rights and research communities.
A student at Purdue University, Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government in 2024 and is currently pursuing a second degree in Sociology, alongside certifications in human rights consultancy and child protection through the U.S. Human Rights Group. Her academic path has been shaped by early research experience, including work as an undergraduate research assistant in Purdue's Law and Conflict Lab, where she studied the Dayton Accords and wartime sexual violence, as well as a role with her university's police department. In 2026, she was selected for recognition by Influential Women, reflecting her growing profile as a young researcher and advocate.
Beyond her academic work, Davis is running for State Representative in Indiana's District 26 at the age of 23, with the potential to become one of the youngest women ever elected to the Indiana State Legislature. She sees her candidacy as an extension of her research mission — using policy to advance public safety, education, mental health, and sexual violence prevention for her community. Davis credits her drive to helping survivors find their voice, and she remains guided by a philosophy of resilience, encouraging others not to let failure or criticism stand in the way of long-term progress, while emphasizing the importance of self-care in preventing burnout throughout a demanding career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Magdalaine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to helping victims. Real change begins with breaking the silence around sexual violence — survivors cannot come forward and report what they've experienced until we create space for these conversations to happen openly.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is that failure is never truly the end unless you choose to stop trying. Setbacks are simply part of the process; what matters is getting back up and continuing to work toward success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women not to let criticism, rejection, or setbacks discourage them from pursuing their goals. I've faced my share of skepticism, even from family, about why I chose to study such a difficult subject — but I've learned to treat challenges as motivation rather than obstacles. My advice is to keep pushing forward, pursue advanced education and research opportunities, and never underestimate your ability to make a meaningful contribution to your field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in my field is securing adequate funding, particularly given how much research remains underfunded despite its impact on communities worldwide. Navigating today's political climate also requires care in how findings are communicated. At the same time, I see real opportunity in expanding public education, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma around discussing sexual violence and human rights — and in the growing value of doctoral education as a path to strengthening research credibility and impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance is essential to me. Meaningful work requires taking care of yourself as much as you take care of others, and I believe protecting against burnout is what allows researchers and advocates to sustain their impact over the long term. My leadership is grounded in empathy, education, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard.
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