Hillsborough Student Wins Prestigious Terman Award at Stanford

In recognition of being in the top one percent of students in Stanford’s School of Engineering seniors based on overall academic performance, Hillsborough resident, Christina Sze, has been awarded the prestigious Frederick E. Terman Award for Scholastic Achievement in Engineering. Honorees were recognized during a ceremony on April 20 held at the Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center at Stanford University, where Sze is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in computer science and a M.S. in Management Science and Engineering.

As part of the award ceremony, Sze was asked to invite a secondary school teacher who had most influenced her academic career and a Stanford faculty member who has also positively influenced her academic career. Sze’s high school science teacher, Paul Hauser, and Professor Mark Cappelli from Stanford were also recognized at the ceremony.

The Frederick E. Terman Award, named after the legendary Stanford professor who played a pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley, is bestowed upon students who demonstrate exceptional scholastic achievement in engineering. Recipients of this esteemed accolade exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a profound dedication to advancing the field of engineering.

Christina Sze's journey to receiving this distinguished honor is marked by a remarkable academic record and a deep passion for learning. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Sze has consistently excelled in her coursework, showcasing a profound understanding of complex engineering concepts and a flair for creative problem-solving.

Sze was born and raised in Burlingame and Hillsborough. She attended Franklin Elementary School in Burlingame, the West School and Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, and University High School in San Francisco.

As she looks toward the future, Christina Sze remains steadfast in her dedication to leveraging engineering principles to address some of society's most pressing challenges. With the Frederick E. Terman Award serving as a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence, Sze is poised to make significant contributions to the field of engineering and beyond and inspire future generations of young students to reach new heights of innovation and impact.