Colloquium Details
Basic Code-Breaking and Deciphering
| Author: | Beverly Ann Cox Department of Defense |
|---|---|
| Date: | May 06, 2010 |
| Time: | 15:30 |
| Location: | 220 HEDCO Education Building, 1655 Alder St |
| Host: | UO CIS Dept, CIS Women in Computer Science, UO Department of Mathematics |
Abstract
This presentation defines the basic terminology used in code breaking. It then introduces a variety of elementary ciphers. Students are led through the deciphering of several messages using various substitutions and transposition ciphers. The frequency of letters in the English language is discussed as it applies to solving a cipher.
Please note that this is not a deeply technical talk, but more like something you would do in the evening for fun before the days of radio or television. It introduces the basic concepts and is a fun exercise. Audience participation expected; please bring your pencil!
Biography
Since 1996, Dr. Beverly "Ann" Cox has been a Mathematician with the Department of Defense. She has been at the Laboratory for Telecommunications Sciences since 2006. Her research interests include network sciences, especially network tomography. Prior to her work for the Defense Department, she worked as a teacher for both youth and adults at the high school and college level. She also ran a micro business with her husband for several years, doing everything from bookkeeping and purchasing agent to creative design with floral arrangements. Her hobbies include spending time with family (especially the grandchildren) cooking, reading, and being active at church.
Sponsored by UO Department of Computer and Information Science, CIS Women in Computer Science, and the UO Department of Mathematics.