Computer Science Project 2013

Explorations in Number Theory and Cryptography

Faculty Mentor - Dr. Charles Lam

This program explores the evolution of cryptology from simple substitution ciphers to public-key cryptography. Students will be introduced to basic number theory, and its use in modern-day encryption methods. In addition, different uses of cryptography in cases such as authentication and digital signatures will be explored. Participants will investigate on weaknesses in encryption schemes using basic cryptanalysis techniques.

Explorations in Network Security and Vulnerability Analysis

Faculty Mentor - Dr. Melissa Danforth

This program focuses on several issues within information assurance and computer security. Basic topics will be discussed and the students will conduct simulations and experiments relating to the topics. This year will focus on operational security with topics such as managing users, authentication and password policies, attacks against authentication systems, configuration and patch management, and social engineering. Key focus will be paid to professional ethics and legal uses of security tools.

Robotics Research Project for High School Students

Faculty Mentor - Dr. Wei Li

The summer REVS-UP program in robotics will offer high school students an opportunity to conduct robotics research. Robotics is an interdisciplinary subject crossing over computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. This program emphasizes a hands-on" approach with close faculty mentoring and develops the students' skills of sensor integration, algorithm design and programming. A wide range of faculty expertise offers a variety of topics in the fields of robotics, for example:

1. Build a robot using a "LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT" robot kit to understand a simple robot mechanical structure.
2. Develop an approach to keep control of interactive servo motors.
3. Develop an algorithm for detecting colors using light sensors in an indoor environment to recognize some specified objects.
4. Develop a behavior based approach to detecting obstacles using ultrasonic sensors to avoid obstacles during robot motion.

Those techniques can control a variety of robot systems, such as autonomous vehicle, insect-inspired robot, and humanoid robot. Students can choose any one topic to conduct robotics research during the summer 2000. The students will gather experience of robotics research, learn or improve their programming skill after they will complete the robotics research project. In this project, we will take a "LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT" robot kit as a platform for robotics research.