Title:  A short introduction to post-quantum cryptography

Time:  Saturday,  2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Abstract: One of the most exciting developments in engineering right now is the rapid improvement of quantum computers. However, the potential capabilities of large quantum computers -- which we cannot build yet -- are deeply concerning for cryptographers, as these computers will be able to solve problems that are “hard” on classical computers and on whose hardness current cryptographic schemes rely for their security. In this talk, we introduce the main ideas of modern public-key cryptography, explain the impact of quantum computers on our current algorithms, and briefly discuss so-called “post-quantum cryptography.” This talk will be accessible to undergraduate math majors and will not require mathematics beyond linear algebra and modular arithmetic.

Bio:  Christelle Vincent grew up just outside of Montreal in Canada. After completing her undergraduate studies at McGill University, she obtained her PhD in number theory at the University of Wisconsin in Madison under the supervision of Ken Ono in 2012. She was then a lecturer at Stanford University for three years before taking a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont in 2016. She was promoted to Associate Professor just last fall. Her work brings deep mathematical expertise in algebraic geometry and number theory to problems in cryptography. One of her professional missions is to make concepts in cryptography more accessible to mathematicians and math majors, and she has developed undergraduate courses and multiple presentations on the topic. Finally, Christelle’s service work in the profession is focused on creating joyful spaces where all mathematicians can safely work; to further this goal she co-founded the Rethinking Number Theory community and is currently serving on the steering committee of the Consortium of Digital Ecosystems for Mathematics, Code4Math.