Using cryptography to keep a secret is topic of physical sciences lecture

EVENT:

Alice Silverberg, professor of mathematics, will talk on “Cryptography – How to Keep a Secret” as part of the 2007-08 Discover the Physical Sciences Breakfast Lecture Series at UC Irvine. This event is sponsored by the UCI School of Physical Sciences.
DATE: Tuesday, April 1, 2008
TIME: 7:30-9 a.m.
LOCATION: University Club, UCI campus

BACKGROUND:

When credit card numbers are sent over the Internet, cryptography ensures they are not stolen while in transit. Cryptography also is used in electronic voting and to “sign” documents electronically. Alice Silverberg will discuss the history of cryptography and how modern cryptography uses advanced mathematics, especially the field of number theory.

Silverberg has mathematics degrees from Harvard and Princeton universities and a Certificate of Advanced Study from University of Cambridge. She was a professor at Ohio State University before coming to UCI, where she is a professor of mathematics and computer science. Silverberg has consulted for the TV show NUMB3RS, and she writes mathematically inspired Scottish country dances.