A Transition
I’m writing today from Boston, having just wrapped up a week at the annual DARPA ISAT retreat at Woods Hole. It was really an exciting week, with lot of people working hard to imagine the future of computing technology and, in some select cases, turn those dreams into plans for how to make them real.
However, the purpose of this blog entry isn’t to talk about the ISAT meeting. The big news (at least for me) is that today wraps up my first official week as an office director at DARPA. If you are reading this (and you aren’t already at DARPA or CMU), it’s possible that this strikes you as surprising news. But it’s true. I’ve agreed to go to DARPA for two years.
This was an extremely difficult decision for me. For me, being the Head of the Computer Science Department at CMU is incredibly fulfilling and, well, fun. I also know, through my extensive travels and interactions in the computing community around the world, that CMU Computer Science is really on a roll. My personal assessment is that CMU CS is doing the highest-quality, highest-impact, and most innovative computing research and education in the world. While that is only my personal (but expert ;-) opinion, what I think is undeniable is that no other computing institute in the US has as much forward momentum right now.
So why would I go to DARPA, especially now? Why would I give up my chance to have that plum department head’s office in our fabulous, shiny new Gates and Hillman Centers? And why would I take a leave of absence, even if only for a two-year stint, during one of the most tumultuous times in the history of our department and the university?
Of course, I consulted with many people for advice, including not only colleagues but also my family. I know Regina Dugan, the new DARPA Director, well. I truly admire and have always worked well with her. I consider her a friend. I also know key members of DARPA’s management team and can see that I have an important role to fill, perhaps one that I am uniquely capable of filling, and that this would benefit not only the academic community but also our nation. Of course, it is also critically important that DARPA is now very, very serious about re-engaging with university researchers; my appointment as an Office Director is just one demonstration of this.
I feel it a great honor to be asked to join this highly select team. I will be creating a brand-new office at DARPA, details of which will become public in due course. I am completely committed to helping DARPA gain some balance in its research portfolio by focusing more resources on long-term research problems and beyond-the-horizon technologies and relying heavily on communities outside of the DoD community. So, I think you’ll eventually see how these fit into the plans for the new office. I am completely convinced that a truly major impact is possible in a re-envisioned DARPA and that I have a chance to play an important role, perhaps even a crucial one.
The CMU CS Department is working on the transition from me to a new department head. Randy Bryant, the Dean of the School of Computer Science, has a great track record in choosing department heads and the department has a strong “bench” of dynamic senior leaders. Sure, there might be difficulties, and of course CMU CS is being asked to sacrifice a lot here; after all, Jeannette Wing was pulled into national service halfway through her headship, too. But the fact that CMU CS is consistently producing national-level leaders says something significant about the institution. This is something that we should all be proud of, and on top of that have faith that this will keep us in good stead in the coming years. The fact that Jeannette is running CS at NSF and I will be an OD at DARPA is a strong sign of just how good we are.
Now, there are a few additional fallouts from this transition. I have had to resign from DARPA ISAT, where I have been the vice-chair. (In fact, on Monday I was ceremoniously “fired”.) I will be resigning this coming week from the CRA Board of Directors, where I am the chair, and from the CCC, where I have been a member since its inception. And, what happens to this blog is not known at this point, but the most likely outcome will be that I will have to put it aside for the time being.
If I am unable to continue blogging, I’ll be seeking other outlets to keep connected with the larger community; part of my mission at DARPA is to help the new director instill a strong early-adopter, bleeding-edge culture, and of course blogging and social networking are a part of that.
I’ve appreciated all the moral support and encouragement many of you have given me. The tasks we all face in the next couple of years are enormous, and so working together is more important than ever.
Peter Lee @ August 22, 2009
My guess is that it was easier to find DARPA than it was to find your office in the new building.
Hi Peter, Congratulations on your new position at DARPA. SCS is going to miss you, but, of course, you’ll be coming back. Do your thing. I think it’ll be terrific. Will you move your family to Washington or travel back and forth? Best, Anne
Hello by me and congratulations on your new position at DARPA.
Sorry if this is off-topic, but will there be CI Fellows this year? Many of us in Theory are already applying for the NSF Math Postdocs, but the CI Fellows program is much more attractive for us. It would be a shame if the best Theory applicants are unable to take CI Fellowship (even if they prefer it), just because they already accepted an NSF Math postdoc.
I thought it was funny to learn about your being ceremoniously “fired”.
Congratulations on your new spot and I hope you find the time to continue blogging!
Nice posting , just keep it up
Grats on the new spot :D
in computing every day is some thing new for its users
Thanks for posting nice information.
thanks ofr sharing in office at DARPA
congratulations on your new position at DARPA.
I thought it was funny to learn about your being ceremoniously “fired”.
- Herioke -
Thanks for posting nice information.
in computing every day is some thing new for its users
DARPA is also developing performance predictions and lifecycle cost models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies.
I Love your Articles :D
congratulations on your new position at DARPA.
Nice Post !!! Keep on posting
Hey, nice blog. Keep update, OK? :)
What does DARPA stand for
There is nothing like blogging to remain connected!
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Too often it seems to me that the work that is going on at DARPA does not get proper recognition. The research done to provide prosthetics to injured soldiers is in my estimation one of the top priorities that should be considered for our wounded warriors.If they cant come back whole, the least that can be done is to try and help them back to a normal existence if possible…
Great post, I look forward to reading what you’re planning on next, because your blog is a nice read, you’re writing with passion.
This is a very nice blog! I would really like to keep reading your blog. Cant wait for the next post. Good blogs are hard to find!
That’s one of the best fired stories I’ve ever read haha
post an interesting, successful greetings
Thanks for posting nice information
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Hi Peter, Congratulations your blog is a nice read
Firstly I like the simple design of this blog.
Secondly, a very long blog entry but very nice to read all the same. Anything computer science related always interests me - I am a webmaster doing/trying to do an MCSE in network engineering.
The best of luck with your future.
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nice blog. Bookmarked
thanks for sharing, keep the spirit!
information has very well
The research done to provide prosthetics to injured soldiers is in my estimation one of the top priorities that should be considered for our wounded warriors.
Thanks for sharing this relevant post in here. It gives important details and this would contribute more knowledge on the part of the readers. Thanks for posting!
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Congratulations man.. Wish you luck.
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great post, wish you get more brain.
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Nice information, thanks :)
I hope it is going well for you and you feel you made the right decision? I’m sure they are keeping you busy there
Congratulations on your new spot and greating
Congratulations, but does this mean that this blog will be dismantled? The last entry was 2009 and I have been, repeatedly, checking back for updates.
wow, congrats to you. you’re amazing man
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Nice post, very good job for author. I follow your blog from today.
Has this blog stopped updating?
what the transition look like?
Congratulations on your new position at DARPA. A very good article. Good luck
Great decision - sometimes we need a shift like that to see the world anew. Einstein knew it and wrote of a new way of thinking. Kudos!
DARPA is also developing performance predictions and lifecycle cost models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies
Congratulations on your new position at DARPA..
Keep up date :)
good article…~_~’
congratz..
keep spirit.
nice posting.
just keep it up.
nice sharing..
keep on posting.
your blog is nice, thank`s for share
Woods Hole is a very nice place. I have been there once and it’s an excellent venue for DARPA.
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DARPA is also developing performance predictions and lifecycle cost models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies
have a nice day.
Congrats on the move to DARPA, though I guess that’s over now. My real reason for posting was that I lked the way you described your thought processes in moving, it’s not an easy choice to move for a job but if the job is right then you’ve got to go. I may face a similar decision soon.
M
Congratulation to you.Even if I’m not touch with this post i admire you for sharing your idea. I know you can be a great officer for DARPA.
Congrats on the new post Pete, though I’m guessing it’s not that new anymore!
Sal
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Interesting!
Thanks for this article and congrats for your new position !
Great post, thank for the comment
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I hope you can continue to blog!
Good Luck
Good luck Peter…I wish you the best
Hey Peter, How are things going with Darpa. Haven’t seen a post in a long while. What’s up?
It’s almost a year since you went to DARPA. How are things going? Are you going to update the blog?
Best regards
Best of luck to your post and hope you make it big over there. May God bless you.
I find it quite a fascinating story
he department has a strong “bench” of dynamic senior leaders. Sure, there might be difficulties, and of course CMU CS is being asked to sacrifice a lot here;)
Through your extensive travels and interactions in the computing community around the world, I will be resigning this coming week from the CRA Board of Directors.
Thanks for posting this. i really enjoyed reading this
I love the content of the blog..its so interesting…i’ll waitting for next
Very interesting article.
Nice blog. Keep it up.
just keep it going
Great post and congrats to you on your position :) Keep up the good work!
Hey there,I am glad to be here on this page,grate info and I will come back soon
Sorry to hear that you got fired!
Great article.
Hello by me and congratulations on your new position at DARPA.
Very good and informativ blog. Just keep it up.
Thanks for this post and good luck to you in the future!
This is an extremely well written and very well motivated article. It should inspire students and faculty members to work in unison towards the common goal/
Dr. Art T Dash, M.Sc., M.S., Ph.D.
Looking forward to future posts from you. Keep up the good work
Agree with everyone on the good comments they’ve been putting through
Congrats on your new position and sharing this article
An office director at DARPA? You’re a big fish now Peter. Congrats!:)
Best of luck to you pal. Looking forward for more posts in your account. I am following you from my online colleges account.
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Great discussion going on here
Great post and keep up the great work
Great article going on here
Great blog goin on here. Keep up the good work!
O…2009
Great site. keep up the good work
Wow sounds like you are on a mission. Keep up the hard work for DARPA
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DARPA is also developing performance predictions and life cycle cost models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies.
A nice post on DARPA,thanks a lot.
LOL, you should really tell us more about the ceremoniously fired part of this story! Can we expect some more on where are you going after quiting all these boards?
thanks for your insightful post
great site. keep up the good work yea!
Thanks for this valuable post. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and and you rock!. I’m looking forward to read lots more of your articles… You got it covered buddy.
Randy Bryant, the Dean of the School of Computer Science, has a great track record in choosing department heads and the department has a strong “bench” of dynamic senior leaders.
DARPA is also developing performance predictions and lifecycle cost models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies.
Thank you. in computing every day is some thing new for its users
Thank you for this valuable post. I think it would be better.
I thik this would be better. Yuor post is very nice. Thank you
in computing every day is some thing new for its users
Transition will go from one another.
Congrats for your promotion!
Congrat for DARPA
I came across this site by accident but found the content extremely interesting and relevant so will revisit again in the near future, thank you.
Thanks for sharing those valuable information. I will continue following your blog. Have fun!
I am very happy for you about your new job in DARPA.
Great post! Thanks for sharing all these valuable information. Looking farward to reading your other posts.
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I wish you a GOOD luck to your new endeavors. Peter!
I’m sure this is a BIG thing in your career Peter! Show DARPA that you are worthy to be part of them!
I hope you can update us about your experience in DARPA in the last couple of years
Congratulations for your position at the DARPA
How is your work at DARPA? I’m sure you are really enjoying it. Good luck man!
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Wonderful article! Keep it goind man, I support you! You are my inspiration!
Interesting website and i totally agree with the author with this post here. Its interesting, that is what i can say about this post. Because this should be what this whole site is about right? Keep on doing a great job!
I hope I can work on DARPA someday. I am sure you are enjoying working there.
Thanks for this post.
Hello, I think you are very industrious, you will achieve hights career
Regards
Very nice article, I think you should stay in DARPA.
Ran across your blog, and have enjoyed reading it. Probably one of the best I’ve found. article on Transition was particularly nice, and have come back several nights in a row. Thanks for the entertaining reads!
Wellyour article contains lot of great information and is a nice read. I always prefer to read the quality content and this article fits the bill. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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I would appreciate if you give us an update about your work in DARPA.
Goodluck to your work there!
Thanks, you have a great blog here! I’m definitely going to bookmark you!
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It’s rattling nice article. Thanks for conversation about it as I am curious in this subject.
DARPA is also developing performance predictions and lifecycle price models for the transformational tactical sensing systems enabled by the ISAT technologies.
Hi! Can I subscribe to youre rss forAndroid stuff?
My uncles works in DARPA. he said that is great working there!
nice! congrats !
congratulations Peter!
thumbs up, Peter!
Why don’t blog any more??? I like Your posts!!
It was indeed an amazing experience to hear about being “fired”, awesome post..
My dream is work their in DARPA someday! Nice posts!
I agree that working together is very than ever. I hope that you will update this blog and give us some info on how do you do on DARPA..
You seems to be conquering new heights in your colorful career…keep up the good work and I am sure more blessings and challenges are coming your way…
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I thought it was funny to learn about your being ceremoniously “fired”.
Congratulations on your new spot and I hope you find the time to continue blogging!
Congrats and thanks for the post
I liked this BLOG very much as it has helped me a lot in my research and is quite interesting as well. Thank you for sharing this information with us.
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I also know key members of DARPA’s management team and can see that I have an important role to fill, perhaps one that I am uniquely capable of filling, and that this would benefit not only the academic community but also our nation.
I’m sure that you are 100% perfect for the role at DARPA. That is the main reason they HIRED you. I hope you are enjoying your work there.
nice post…
i like this, thx
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Always a difficult decision to make a major move. I wish you well and hope you find the time to continue blogging
Thanks for posting great information and congrats on your new position at DARPA!
You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.
DARPA is of one of those place that I really want to work with someday. Goodluck to your work there!
Can I give your site an overall comment? I like the content of your page, very much! Because they are rich and informative. However, I think this site would definitely look better if you change to a better theme.
How is your JOB at darpa this past few years? I hope you are enjoying it.
Thanks for posting nice information.
Congratulations on your new position at DARPA.
It seems thaat DARPA does not get proper recognition. The research done to provide prosthetics to injured soldiers is in my estimation one of the top priorities that should be considered for our wounded warriors.If they cant come back whole, the least that can be done is to try and help them back to a normal existence.
Thank you for sharing.
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A transition is very important to know that there is something change happened.
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DARPA is well known as a high-tech government agency, it’s nice to be there..
I just want to say that what you share here is really very good information.thank you
Sometimes people’s live undergone in a transition. You just need to face it boldly. DARPA is a great place to work.
Congratulation for such a great transition !
I’m wondering if DARPA is a good workplace. Please update us. Thanks
A very good article, I will come again.
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The blog is really informative and i like to share it with my friends. It was really valuable.I will keep visiting this blog very often. I am very pleased to find this site.:)
Admire the information published.its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. it was really valuable.
I guess, by now you would have already completed your stint at DARPA. So, it is befitting to know of your experiences and the overall lessons learnt.
Its really good to see and thanks for Sharing such information.
I thought it was funny to learn about your being ceremoniously “fired”.
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Hi Peter, I really enjoyed these lengthy, insightful blog posts. First off as a fellow Computer Science major, I was extremely happy about your position at DARPA in which now you’ve been their for two years and I would love to read about your experience there on the blog. Let me be the first inspirational post to urge you to write more about it.
Great article btw…I’ll be referencing this post on my main blog.
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I agree, working together, cooperation in needed in every work.
Its seems that your blog is popular. Well, I wish you luck in your new JOB
I always turn my dreams into plans for how to make them real, it is sometimes really hard to do.
waw, thanks, great post
Great news hope you can work there for long time, I agreed to you that DARPA or CMU is one of the best, it is just in my dream that to study there…
Thanks for sharing information about your success. It’s nice to see that you are dedicated to making a difference in this world.
Thanks for sharing such great information, keep up the good work.
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Wow, I see this is an old post, so you are probably in your new position. Hope all is going well.
there are a few additional fallouts from this transition. I have had to resign from DARPA ISAT, where I have been the vice-chair. (In fact, on Monday I was ceremoniously “fired”.) I will be resigning this coming week from the CRA Board of Directors, where I am the chair, and from the CCC, where I have been a member since its inception. And, what happens to this blog is not known at this point, but the most likely outcome will be that I will have to put it aside for the time being.
Thanks for posting nice information and congratulation for the new position.Looking forward for some great blog on Future Computer Technology.
Thank you for sharing.
Great Blog, I had bookmarked the page.
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2012 is coming. How is your work at DARPA?
-Cheers
This sounds like a great honor and opportunity. Congratulations and good luck on the new transition.
what is DARPA ISAT ?
Great and nice post, I a, looking forward for reading what you’re planning on next, because your blog is a nice read…
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I’m trying to comment but it does not show up. Anyways, I’m a las vegas Realtor and one of my dream is to work there in DARPA.
U hear ya man….at the end of the day, you have to follow what’s in your heart and hope for the best! Decisions like that are never easy…but good for you for having the courage to do what you really wanted to do.
Love your blog by the way - it has a real personal approach.
Thanks for this article and congrats for your new position !
Bittersweet congratulations and good luck to you! Thanks.
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This is a very nice blog! I would really like to keep reading your blog. Cant wait for the next post. Good blogs are hard to find!
Too often it seems to me that the work that is going on at DARPA does not get proper recognition. The research done to provide prosthetics to injured soldiers is in my estimation one of the top priorities that should be considered for our wounded warriors.If they cant come back whole, the least that can be done is to try and help them back to a normal existence if possible…
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Thanks for posting great information and congrats on your new position at DARPA!
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