Steven Walker, director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will visit Colorado State University May 31 to speak about “Delivering Disruption.”
Walker’s presentation will include an overview of DARPA and its current programs. Walker will also provide his vision for the agency as it continues to produce revolutionary technologies and capabilities for the nation.
The event will be held May 31 in the Lory Student Center Longs Peak Room; a networking reception will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by Walker’s seminar at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
A legacy of breakthrough technology
DARPA was founded in 1958, with the mission of making pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.
To accomplish this mission, DARPA pursues high-risk, high-payoff research initiatives across a broad spectrum of science and engineering. These include biological technologies; advanced maritime, ground, air and space systems; information innovation and cyber systems; social and behavioral science; microelectronics; advanced mathematics; and integrated, networked defense systems.
About Walker
Walker became DARPA’s director in November 2017. Before that, he served as deputy director of the agency, and as acting director.
Prior to his return to DARPA in 2012, Walker served as deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engingeering. .There, he was responsible for developing the technology investment strategy for the Air Force’s annual $2 billion science and technology program. He has more than 30 years of experience in the civil service. Walker also served in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office as a program manager, deputy director and director.
Walker is a member of the Senior Executive Service and a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and he received the AIAA Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Aeronautical Management in 2014. He was also awarded the Presidential Rank Award, the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service medal, and the DoD Exceptional, Meritorious, and Distinguished Civilian Service medals. Walker holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton.
Building Partnerships
Walker’s talk is part of the Leadership in Innovation Speakers Series hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research.
“Our Leadership in Innovation Series highlights individuals and organizations that exemplify novel translation of discovery into impact and engage our community broadly,” said Alan Rudolph, CSU vice president for research. “DARPA remains a hallmark organization in investing in transformational high impact. CSU has a number of DARPA funded projects in host pathogen response, computer science and synthetic biology and we are excited to showcase these during Dr. Walker’s visit.”
Since 2014, the speaker series has introduced global innovations and leading innovators to the university and Northern Colorado.
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