Central Texas Chapter - Young Engineer of the Year

Landon Kasberg is the epitome of excellence, leadership, and service in our profession. Landon has excelled technically along with high character and a commitment to strengthening our engineering community.  His journey to becoming Central Texas Young Engineer of the Year began in 2019, graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering and joining KPA Engineers in Temple, Texas. He has participated in all aspects of projects including design and construction administration of critical water resource projects—lift stations, pump stations, ground storage tanks, and water and wastewater pipelines; projects that directly impact the health, safety, and quality of life in our communities. He also provides development plan reviews for numerous municipalities, ensuring that growth is supported by sound, responsible engineering.

Beyond his technical accomplishments, his service to the profession stands out. He has served in multiple officer roles within the TSPE Central Texas Chapter, including President for the 2024–2025 term. He has attended TSPE Leadership Conferences and generously volunteers his time, including participating in MATHCCOUNTS, inspiring future engineers. He is also an active member of the Central Texas Chapter of ASCE.

When he’s not designing infrastructure or serving the profession, you might find him enjoying a round of golf or spending time fishing. Landon is a talented engineer, dedicated leader, and committed servant to our profession.

Dallas Chapter - Young Engineer of the Year

Oscar Hernandez is a Project Engineer with Pape-Dawson who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical ability, and service to the engineering profession early in his career. Since beginning his professional career in 2020, he has contributed to major transportation infrastructure projects across Texas, specializing in roadway design, utility coordination, and project delivery.

Oscar earned his Associate of Science in Civil Engineering before completing his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington. During his academic career, he demonstrated strong leadership through organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa and the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he supported major student engineering events. Oscar is an active leader in the TSPE Dallas Chapter, where he has served in multiple roles including Social Media Chair, Registration Chair, Chapter Director, and currently Secretary. In recognition of his leadership and service to the profession, he was named the Dallas Chapter Young Engineer of the Year. He is also committed to mentoring students and volunteering in community and STEM outreach programs.

Outside of engineering, Oscar is a passionate Dallas sports fan, regularly attending Stars, Mavericks, and Rangers games. Oscar is currently planning to go on his first cruise this year and visiting Alaska this summer. He enjoys weightlifting, playing soccer, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Fort Worth Chapter - Young Engineer of the Year

Lili Kelley, a licensed Texas Environmental Engineer, is being awarded the 2026 Young Engineer of the Year Award by the Fort Worth Chapter of TSPE. She graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelors and Masters in Environmental Engineering. This award recognizes her technical and professional achievements, as well as her community involvement.

Lili’s career has been split between BNSF Railway’s Environmental and Engineering Departments, coordinating with a wide variety of internal stakeholders to accomplish projects and improve company processes. From remediation and regulation compliance to track standards and design, Lili has been an asset to the teams she has been on. Her main passion is systems and processes, constantly working to make the BNSF Engineering team more effective and efficient.

Outside of work, Lili finds ways to support her community with involvement in local organizations like MATHCOUNTS, Girls Inc., the Boys & Girls Club, and Taste Community Kitchen. She has been a TSPE member since 2023 and served as the MATHCOUNTS chair during her tenure, wrapping up her third chapter competition last weekend. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County is where most of her volunteer time is spent as she identifies with their mission to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers. She is a frequent volunteer, a mentor to a college freshman, and Champion level donor.  Lili was recognized as Young Engineer of the Year at the E-Week Banquet February 25, 2026. 

Greater Houston Chapter - Young Engineer of the Year

Tania Acosta is a Graduate Engineer for the Geotechnical department at Raba Kistner, Inc.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Tyler and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Tania has made an impact in the engineering community, serving as Director 2 for TSPE, Mentorship Program Co-Chair for WTS, and Chair of the Volunteering and Fundraising Committees at Raba Kistner’s Houston office.

Outside of work, she enjoys hosting game nights, baking, volunteering, and knitting.

Travis Chapter - Young Engineer of the Year

Gaby Vasquez, M.S., E.I.T. is a Geotechnical Engineering at Black and Veatch supporting projects in the power sector. Gaby graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Civil
Engineering from Texas Tech University.

Gaby is currently serving her second term as president for the Austin SWE chapter, her second year of the senator on the SWE board of directions, and president of G-I Austin of ASCE, and the secretary for the Women in Deep foundations committee of DFI.

Gaby has been involved with SWE since her collegiate days at Texas Tech, serving various leadership positions in the chapter as well as society wide. While at Texas
Tech, she lead two outreach events Mother Daughter Event and Catch the Engineering Bug. At the chapter level, under Gaby’s leadership the section was awarded the 2025 Membership Growth and the Silver Mission Award.

Outside of engineering and work, Gaby loves to give back to the community by participating in the Junior League of Austin. Gaby is currently volunteering the
Mother’s Milk Bank, which is a program to helps distribute milk to babies at home or in hospitals. Gaby previously helped at the Food-in-Tummies initiative by packing and transporting weekend meal bags to two schools in DVISD. During her free time, Gaby likes to travel and explore new places.