12 Under 12 Spotlight

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Meet the young Aggies selected for this year’s 12 Under 12.

The Association of Former Students created this award to recognize the contributions of young alumni to the Aggie Network and their communities through professional endeavors and service.

Assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago where he runs a nuclear physics group of about 15 people. Graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in physics. Worked as physics researcher alongside 2,000 physicists at the world’s largest particle accelerator.

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Dr. Austin
Baty '13

"Austin goes above and beyond the call of duty for students who need advocates within the intense university academic environment, and this represents his dedication to leadership and selfless service."

LinkedIn: Austin Baty

Founder and owner of Burks Creations. Previously worked for Texas A&M College of Engineering after earning a master’s degree in agricultural leadership and communications. Class Agent. Inaugural member of 12th Man Foundation New Grad Advisory Council.

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Travis
Burks '13

"He consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of market dynamics, strategic planning and effective execution. His ability to navigate the complex challenges of a new business venture with poise and creativity sets him apart as a true leader."

LinkedIn: Travis Burks

Student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Guided careers of over 1,000 Army officers and helped implement Army-wide adoption of new a human resource tool as Army career manager; chief of logistics for 700-member organization assisting border patrol along southwest border; deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

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Capt. Matthew
Keller '13

"Matthew’s selfless service, coupled with his unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity, has earned him widespread recognition and respect in increasingly challenging roles. Matthew has been entrusted with the most challenging assignments during critical organizational transformation periods and has delivered outstanding results"

LinkedIn: Matthew Keller

Chief of Allied ISR Operations and Collection Plans, U.S. Africa Command for the U.S. Air Force. Demonstrated working-level proficiency after four months of self-study in French to become a Language Enabled Airman Program scholar. Winner of four Air Combat Command awards. Spearheaded infertility treatment access for service members as the co-lead for Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiatives Team Line of Effort 3.3.

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Maj. Brawnlyn
Patterson '13

"Brawnlyn demonstrates exceptional leadership, particularly during unprecedented times in the military, reflecting her continued dedication to the excellence we strive for at Texas A&M."

LinkedIn: Brawnlyn Patterson

Test squadron chief engineer in the U.S. Air Force. Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Earned a Master of Science in flight test engineering at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Air University. Selected for the DARPA Service Chiefs Fellows Program. Published author for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

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Maj. Ryan
Reed '13

"Maj. Reed has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and has made significant contributions to every role he has undertaken. He excelled in both academic pursuits and practical flight test execution events."

LinkedIn: Ryan Reed

President and CEO of Weisser Engineering & Surveying. Over 10 years of volunteering & leadership efforts within the nonprofit Sky High for Kids, to help raise over $30 million to fund medical research. Passionate about raising awareness of the importance of agriculture through her company Cowboy Brush Cutters.

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Taylor
Sass '13

"Taylor’s leadership has not only propelled her company to new heights but has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the engineering and surveying industry, not only within our state but within the southern region of our nation."

LinkedIn: Taylor Sass

Owner of SafeSplash Swimming School. Swam for Team USA in 2012 and 2016 Olympics, placing 5th and 4th respectively. Leveraged Texas A&M education degree to open SafeSplash Swimming School across seven locations.

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Cammile
Adams '14

"Cammile has embraced and embodied Texas A&M’s core values and the industrious spirit of the 12th Man since she first stepped on campus … [and] abroad as a world class athlete, … entrepreneur and role model."

Vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at National Turkey Federation where she also coordinates and executes the annual presidential turkey pardoning. Advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative. Member of U.S. delegation to the World Organization for Animal Health. Serves as a small group leader for the Washington, D.C., Young Life Capernaum.

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Dr. Lindy
Chiaia '14

"Dr. Chiaia’s leadership and innovative thinking are instrumental in driving forward the organization’s goals. She consistently demonstrates exceptional skills in policy development, stakeholder relations, crisis communications and response and strategic planning."

LinkedIn: Lindy Chiaia

Occupational therapist and owner of Dandelion Occupational Therapy, an independent practice providing in-home services and community outreach. Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Fellow, Alaska, partnering with the state foster care system to teach caregivers how to best care for foster children with special needs. Special Olympics coach and Soldier Family Readiness Group leader.

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Bailey
Relford '16

"[Bailey] has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and has made significant contributions to improving the lives of children in her community."

LinkedIn: Bailey Relford

Inspired by his mother to launch Mosaic ETA where he is a managing partner ; the private equity firm strives to empower underrepresented communities. Graduated with master’s degrees from Stanford Graduate School of Business and Harvard Kennedy School. Founder and executive director of faith-based Anchor Retreat. Actively involved in his church including baptizing his younger brother in summer 2024.

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Eduardo
Zaldivar '16

"He truly is a one-in-a-million person who has already made a greater impact on others than most make in a lifetime. He gives his life to bless others — most always in ways that people don’t see."

LinkedIn: Eduardo Zaldivar

Assistant clinical professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, providing training, instruction, and mentorship to fourth-year optometry students. President and CEO of VIEW Optometry. Director of eye care services at Northside Eye Care Center. Member of the Texas Diabetes Council and Texas Public Health Association. Board member for the Texas Optometric Association, leading initiatives to address public policy concerns and advocate for legislative changes to improve access to eye care.

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Dr. Mary Kate
Walters '17

"Dr. Walters exemplifies the qualities of an excellent optometrist and an outstanding Aggie, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate heart and a commitment to service."

LinkedIn: Mary Kate Walters

Founder and CEO of FluxWorks Inc. Advisory board member and co-founder/co-chair of the Bryan-College Station chapter of Terry Scholar Alumni Association.

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Dr. Bryton
Praslicka '19

"Bryton exemplifies professional excellence in his work ethic and approach to leadership … and he exhibits unmatched integrity and loyalty by protecting his employees by selecting to do business in a manner that is above reproach and preserves the core value-driven culture Bryton created as CEO."

LinkedIn: Bryton Praslicka

Nominations

Award recipients must have graduated from Texas A&M University within the past 12 years and be leading by example in business and service. Nominations for 2025 close Feb. 28, 2025.

Submit a Nomination

Previous honorees

2023 Recipients 2022 Recipients 2021 Recipients 2020 Recipients 2019 Recipients 2018 Recipients 2017 Recipients 2016 Recipients 2015 Recipients 2014 Recipients 2013 Recipients

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505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840

(979) 845-7514

When Aggies see a need, their energy and their selflessness draw others into the cause, and good things happen.

Joe B. Foster '56

505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840

(979) 845-7514

When Aggies see a need, their energy and their selflessness draw others into the cause, and good things happen.

Joe B. Foster '56

Meet the young Aggies selected for this year’s 12 Under 12.

The Association of Former Students created this award to recognize the contributions of young alumni to the Aggie Network and their communities through professional endeavors and service.

Dr. Austin Baty '13

"Austin goes above and beyond the call of duty for students who need advocates within the intense university academic environment, and this represents his dedication to leadership and selfless service."

Travis Burks '13

"He consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of market dynamics, strategic planning and effective execution. His ability to navigate the complex challenges of a new business venture with poise and creativity sets him apart as a true leader."

Capt. Matthew Keller '13

Maj. Brawnlyn Patterson '13

"Brawnlyn demonstrates exceptional leadership, particularly during unprecedented times in the military, reflecting her continued dedication to the excellence we strive for at Texas A&M."

Maj. Ryan Reed '13

"Maj. Reed has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and has made significant contributions to every role he has undertaken. He excelled in both academic pursuits and practical flight test execution events."

Taylor Sass '13

"Taylor’s leadership has not only propelled her company to new heights but has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the engineering and surveying industry, not only within our state but within the southern region of our nation."

Cammile Adams '14

"Cammile has embraced and embodied Texas A&M’s core values and the industrious spirit of the 12th Man since she first stepped on campus … [and] abroad as a world class athlete, … entrepreneur and role model."

Dr. Lindy Chiaia '14

"Dr. Chiaia’s leadership and innovative thinking are instrumental in driving forward the organization’s goals. She consistently demonstrates exceptional skills in policy development, stakeholder relations, crisis communications and response and strategic planning."

Bailey Relford '16

"[Bailey] has a strong commitment to serving underserved populations and has made significant contributions to improving the lives of children in her community."

Eduardo Zaldivar '16

"He truly is a one-in-a-million person who has already made a greater impact on others than most make in a lifetime. He gives his life to bless others — most always in ways that people don’t see."

Dr. Mary Kate Walters '17

"Dr. Walters exemplifies the qualities of an excellent optometrist and an outstanding Aggie, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate heart and a commitment to service."

Dr. Bryton Praslicka '19

"Bryton exemplifies professional excellence in his work ethic and approach to leadership … and he exhibits unmatched integrity and loyalty by protecting his employees by selecting to do business in a manner that is above reproach and preserves the core value-driven culture Bryton created as CEO."

Nominations

Previous honorees

Dr. Austin
Baty '13

Travis
Burks '13

Capt. Matthew
Keller '13

Maj. Brawnlyn
Patterson '13

Maj. Ryan
Reed '13

Taylor
Sass '13

Cammile
Adams '14

Dr. Lindy
Chiaia '14

Bailey
Relford '16

Eduardo
Zaldivar '16

Dr. Mary Kate
Walters '17

Dr. Bryton
Praslicka '19