The Department of Defense has appointed Dr. Victoria Coleman as the director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

As the new director of its research and development arm, Coleman replaces Steven Walker. Walker served as director between November 2017 and January 2020.

Dr. Coleman brings to her new role more than 30 years of experience in academia, the private sector, and government. This also includes her previous service as the founding Chair of DARPA’s Microsystems Exploratory Council and membership on the Defense Science Board.

Her efforts have included work in artificial intelligence, microelectronics, and extensive work in the design and development of mobile devices and other consumer electronics products.

Dr. Coleman has an extensive academic background leading research at the University of California Berkeley, Santa Clara University, and the University of London. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Salford and earned her doctorate in computer science from the University of Manchester.

Further, acting DARPA Director Dr. Peter Highnam will return to his role as Deputy Director of DARPA.