THE DIRECTOR'S SUMMER PROGRAM
at
THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
CRYPTOLOGIC MATHEMATICS FOR EXCEPTIONAL UNDERGRADUATE
MATHEMATICIANS
Mrs. Jacqueline A. Holmgren, Program Manager
math@afterlife.ncsc.mil
***********DEADLINE IS 15
OCTOBER*************
The Director's Summer Program is the National Security Agency's premier
outreach to the nation's most outstanding undergraduate mathematics
majors. Each summer we invite two dozen exceptional students to
collaborate with each other and with NSA mathematicians on problems
critical to the intelligence gathering and information assurance
missions of the agency. Admission to the 12-week program is highly
competitive. Applicants should have a demonstrated superior
mathematical aptitude. A full year of abstract algebra and analysis are
recommended. Some computer experience is desirable, particularly with
C or C++ and mathematical software packages.
The goals of the Director's Summer Program are to:
* introduce the future leaders of the U.S. mathematics community
to the Agency's mission and share with them the excitement of working
on mathematics problems of national importance;
* provide a deep understanding of the vital role that
mathematics plays in enabling the Agency to tackle a diverse set of
technical challenges;
* encourage bright undergraduate mathematics majors to continue
their study of mathematics and pursue careers in the mathematical
sciences; and, of course, to
* solve current operational problems.
DSP participants work on a wide range of problems in mathematics,
cryptology, and communications technology. These problems often involve
applications of abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, probability,
statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms, computer science,
and analysis. Introductory lectures on modern cryptologic mathematics
will be given at the beginning of the summer; at the same time,
approximately ten current problems will be presented. Each student will
choose one or two as the focus for his or her research. Students are
expected to document their work in technical papers which are internally
published at the agency.
Information about the Director's Summer Program is sent to over
300 colleges and universities each year. Because of the lengthy
security processing required, the deadline for applications is 15
October each year. To apply, a student should send a resume, at least
two letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with their
technical work, and current transcripts. A list of courses which will
have been completed by the end of the academic year should also be
included. **Students must be U.S. citizens.** All information should
be sent to:
Department of Defense
National Security Agency
9800 Savage Road Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6515
Attn: R1 (DSP), Suite 6515.
The Director's Summer Program is an extremely rewarding summer
experience! For additional information, call Mrs. Jacquie Holmgren,
Program Manager at (301) 688-0983 or send e-mail to
math@afterlife.ncsc.mil.
Thanks,
Jacquie Holmgren
DSP Program Manager
(301) 688-0983 work
(301) 688-0689 fax