Becky Greenwood: Breaking Codes
What started as a quest for an honors in the discipline project may have introduced Becky Greenwood to her future career. “I was looking for a hands-on project,” explains Becky, who is a senior mathematical sciences major with a concentration in applied mathematics. “Cryptanalysis fit the bill. I immediately became very interested in the topic, once learning what it entailed.”
Cryptanalysis is the study of methods for obtaining the meaning of encrypted information without access to the secret information which is normally required to do so. Becky’s particular interest relates to classical ciphers – historically used, but which now have fallen into disuse – which have been applied to sound. Her work has supported Dr. Tim McDevitt’s line of research.
“Cryptanalysis is a complex process that is used to protect our national security,” explains Becky. “Having the ability to understand and complete this task makes me feel like I’m making the world a better place.” On April 1, Becky presented her research at the semi-annual Undergraduate Research at the Capitol – Pennsylvania poster conference. On April 22, she will present this work here at Elizabethtown College.
To learn more about Becky’s project, consider attending her Scholarship Day presentation…
Project Title: Cryptanalysis of Classical Ciphers Applied to Sound
Date: Scholarship and Creative Arts Day 2008 – Tuesday, April 22
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Timothy McDevitt
Becky is one of several student scholars from Elizabethtown’s Mathematical and Computer Science Department who will present during Scholarship and Creative Arts Day 2008. An overview schedule is available on the Scholarship and Creative Arts Day webpage. A more detailed schedule of this and other events featuring the creativity and scholarship of Elizabethtown students will be available in mid-April.
