Regina E. Dugan
Scientist/Technology Expert
California State University, Fullerton
Regina E. Dugan has distinguished herself in service to the nation and is widely recognized for her leadership in technology development. Ms. Dugan was appointed in 2009 by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the 19th director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the principle agency within the Department of Defense for research, development and demonstration of high-risk, high-payoff capabilities. She is the first woman ever to head the agency, which was founded in 1958 as a response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik.
During her first tour with the agency—while serving as program manager from 1996 to 2000—Ms. Dugan directed a $100 million portfolio of programs, including "Dog's Nose," an effort focused on the development of an advanced, field-portable system for detecting the explosive content of land mines. In 1999, she was honored as DARPA Program Manager of the Year for her efforts, and in 2000, she was awarded the prestigious Bronze de Fleury Medal from the Army Engineer Regiment. She also is the recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Award for Exceptional Service and Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Ms. Dugan's contributions to the U.S. military are numerous. She led a counterterrorism task force for the Deputy Secretary of Defense in 1999, and from 2001 to 2003, served as special advisor to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, completing a "Quick Reaction Study on Countermine" for Operation Enduring Freedom. The results were successfully implemented in the field. She also served on the Naval Research Advisory Committee and Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Technology Panel.
Prior to her appointment as director of DARPA, she co-founded Dugan Ventures, a niche investment firm, where she served as president and CEO. In 2005, Dugan Ventures founded RedXDefense, LLC, a privately held company devoted to innovative solutions for combating explosive threats. She is the sole inventor or co-inventor on multiple patents.
Ms. Dugan's impressive educational credentials include a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and bachelor and master's degrees from Virginia Tech. She has participated in wide-ranging studies for the Defense Science Board, Army Science Board, National Research Council and the Science Foundation. She is the co-author of "Engineering Thermodynamics" (Prentice Hall, 1996).
In recognition of her outstanding service to the country and commitment to innovation, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Fullerton are proud to confer upon Regina E. Dugan the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.