Eric Thomas Grissen- The American Technology Awards, or The Termans

An undergraduate at Virginia Tech, Eric Thomas Grissen plans to earn his bachelor's degree in biochemistry and business administration in 2014. While a research consultant with Daon, Inc., Eric Thomas Grissen co-wrote the Identity X software that earned a 2012 Terman in Cyber Security & Authentication. Given by the TechAmerica Foundation, the American Technology Awards or The Termans honor the best in technology. Industry experts and tech companies evaluate new products and vote for the most remarkable achievements in categories ranging from aerospace and defense to consumer electronics and medical devices. The 2012 awards marked the ninth annual event, which takes place in Washington, D.C., and allows leaders from industry and government to network and learn about the developments that will impact the future. The award is named after Frederick Emmons Terman. Considered the Father of Silicon Valley, Terman taught at Stanford University's department of electrical engineering in the 1930s. Disappointed by the lack of tech jobs available throughout California, he tried to center the radio industry in the Stanford University region, which would become Silicon Valley. Among his accomplishments were bringing financial support to the school for research and uniting students William Hewlett and David Packard (who would go on to found the Hewlett-Packard company).