Stilman was among 25 researchers nationwide selected for more than $12 million in grants for basic research. involving some of the Department of Defense’s most challenging technological hurdles.

As part of the program, Stilman receives two years of research funding at about $250,000 each year for his project “Object-Level Communication for Human-Robot Motion Generation.” After two years of research, Stilman may compete for one of four third-year grants of $500,000 each.

DARPA supports research and development as part of its charge to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military and bolster national defense against high-tech attacks. DARPA launched the Young Faculty Award program in 2006 to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers who plan to focus their careers on defense and national security issues. Since then, it has awarded grant money to more than 200 academic rising stars.