Mary Lynn Reed

Professor

School of Mathematics and Statistics

College of Science

mlrsma@rit.edu

585-475-2163

Office Hours

Mon 4:30-5:30pm; plus two additional hours per week, announced in MyCourses.

Office Location

HLC-2530

Mary Lynn Reed

Professor

School of Mathematics and Statistics

College of Science

Education

BS, Georgia Institute of Technology; MFA, University of Maryland; MS, PhD, University of Illinois

Bio

Dr. Mary Lynn Reed holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Dr. Reed's research background and interests include applications of algebraic structures, statistical modeling, computational mathematics. She is currently focused on questions related to the mathematics of simulation and randomness.

Dr. Reed is an affiliate faculty member with RIT’s ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute. Dr. Reed also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers in the public interest. Before arriving at RIT, Dr. Reed served as the chief of mathematics research at the National Security Agency.

Dr. Reed has received a variety of honors and awards throughout her career, including: the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Professional, the NSA Director’s Distinguished Service Medal, the NSA Louis W. Tordella Award, the NSA Director's Team Excellence Award, the NSA Gold Bug Team Award for excellence in cryptanalysis, the University of Illinois Department of Mathematics Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement, the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award, and the University of Illinois Mathematics Department Outstanding Teaching Award. As an early career faculty member, she was a Mathematical Association of America Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) Fellow. Dr. Reed is also a past-President and Distinguished Member of the Crypto-Mathematics Institute, NSA's oldest professional society.

mlrsma@rit.edu

585-475-2163

Areas of Expertise

Abstract Algebra

Network Science

Statistical Modeling

Cryptography

Mathematics of Communications Technology

Cybersecurity

Mathematical Modeling

Currently Teaching

MATH-301

Mathematics of Simulation and Randomness

3 Credits

This course is an introduction to mathematical techniques and algorithms for (pseudo-)random number generation and simulation. Randomness and simulation are major tools used in mathematical modeling, statistical and data analysis, computing, and engineering. This course will provide both a solid mathematical foundation in these topics and computational experience utilizing them in practice.

MATH-367

Codes and Ciphers

3 Credits

This course will introduce, explain and employ both the classical and modern basic techniques of cryptography. Topics will include the Vignère cipher, affine ciphers, Hill ciphers, one-time pad encryption, Enigma, public key encryption schemes (RSA, Diffie-Hellman, El-Gamal, elliptic curves), and hash functions. The course will include an introduction to algebraic structures and number theoretic tools used in cryptography.

MATH-441

Abstract Algebra I

3 Credits

This course covers basic set theory, number theory, groups, subgroups, cyclic and permutation groups, Lagrange and Sylow theorems, quotient groups, and isomorphism theorems. Group Theory finds applications in other scientific disciplines like physics and chemistry.

MATH-495

Undergraduate Research in Mathematical Sciences

1 - 3 Credits

This course is a faculty-directed project that could be considered original in nature. The level of work is appropriate for students in their final two years of undergraduate study.

MATH-498

Independent Study in Mathematical Sciences

1 - 3 Credits

This course is a faculty-guided investigation into appropriate topics that are not part of the curriculum.

MATH-799

MATH GRADUATE Independent Study

1 - 3 Credits

Independent Study

STAT-335

Introduction to Time Series

3 Credits

This course is a study of the modeling and forecasting of time series. Topics include ARMA and ARIMA models, autocorrelation function, partial autocorrelation function, detrending, residual analysis, graphical methods, and diagnostics. A statistical software package is used for data analysis.

In the News

June 16, 2022

How math and language can combine to map the globe and create strong passwords, using the power of 3 random words

Essay by Mary Lynn Reed, professor and head, School of Mathematical Sciences, published by The Conversation.
April 1, 2022

Professor Mary Lynn Reed elected to Institute for Defense Analyses Board of Trustees

Mary Lynn Reed, head of RIT’s School of Mathematical Sciences, was elected a member of the Institute for Defense Analyses Board of Trustees. IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers in the public interest.
September 9, 2019

Mary Lynn Reed appointed head of RIT’s School of Mathematical Sciences

Reed joins RIT following a 19-year career at the National Security Agency, where she most recently served as the chief of the Mathematics Research Group from 2016 to 2019. An accomplished mathematician, Reed has been recognized with the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Professional and the NSA Director’s Distinguished Service Medal.

September 22, 2023

Reed leads discussion on mentoring students in their careers
May 25, 2023

Reed presents on career at conference
August 26, 2022

Reed presents at ‘Communicating Mathematics’ workshop
March 9, 2021

School of Mathematical Sciences faculty present at conference

More News