According to the Web site, Dugan is experienced in counterterrorism and defense against explosive threats. She first served as a DARPA program manager from 1996 to 2000 and directed a $100 million string of programs, including the Dog's Nose program, which focused on the development of an advanced, field-portable system for detecting land mines.

Dugan, who has a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, also led a counterterrorism task force for the deputy secretary of Defense in 1999 and, from 2001 to 2003, served as a special adviser to the vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army.

Lt. Col. Melinda F. Morgan, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, said Dugan is expected to leave her post at DARPA in the next few weeks after a transition of leadership responsibilities to DARPA Deputy Director Kaigham J. Gabriel. Gabriel, who has been deputy director since July 2009, will serve as the agency's acting director until a permanent chief is hired.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . Her e-mail address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.

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