Penn State York STS 497E Trip to London
In the Fall of 2004, Penn State York organized a trip for cryptography students from STS 497E to experience first-hand London's historical significance in our studies of cryptography.
Cryptography is the study of converting information from a comprehensible form into an incomprehensible format. Cryptography has existed for thousands of years. This is the art of hiding or encrypting messages so that no one but the intended receiver can receive the message and decrypt it using a secret method. Caesar used it. It was heavily used in nearly every recorded war, especially the great World Wars. It's used today to hide your identity, your credit card information, online purchases, and communications in government organizations. Cryptography is occurring all around you. There is no doubt that cryptography has completely shaped what the world is today.
Our class had the special opportunity to learn about cryptography from three distinctive backgrounds from three exceptional professors. Dr. Robert Himmer, associate professor of history, gave us an interesting historical view on cryptography and how it was initially used up until its complex development during World War II. Dr. John Dawson, professor of mathematics, allowed us to become familiar with the mathematics behind cryptography and the intricate algorithms that make cryptography possible. Suzanne Gladfelter, senior instructor in information sciences and technology, introduced our class to the technological aspects of cryptography. Her knowledge made it possible for us to understand things like exactly how the Enigma works and the applications of modern cryptography in a digitial world.
This Web site was developed by students of that cryptography class. Our class was given an incredible opportunity to take our knowledge from the classroom and take it to a foreign place that, on many occasions, centered on cryptography.
In one way this site is meant to showcase the international learning opportunities that Penn State York has to offer. In another way this site is a way for those who went on the trip to have another place to keep their memories. Everyone who went on the trip had an unforgettable experience, and we hope that we can share our experiences with those who visit this site.
