Mathematics alumnus analyzes crypt systems for NSA
Andy Nicol ’07 heard about the benefits of completing Independent Study at 69ֱ, but he never knew the experience with research would prepare him to protect the United States from security threats. Working in the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Directorate, Nicol’s career focuses on researching “next-generation cryptographic algorithms” that will remain strong as technology and code-breaking computers become more advanced. “Much like my I.S., I found a topic of importance both to me and the community, conducted research over the course of the year, and concluded my work by writing a research paper and presenting my findings to colleagues,” Nicol said. Additionally, he collaborates with people in his office to hone the final project, similar to his experience seeking feedback from math professors about his I.S. throughout his senior year. “I work with my mentor and coworkers daily to present what I’ve accomplished so far, ask questions, and listen to suggestions, then use that to improve my future work,” Nicol said.
Collaboratingand communicatingwith others is what Nicol says is the most important skill he learned at Wooster.He developed this in biology labs and rigorous math courses, but also through Wooster’s AppliedMathematics Research Experience (AMRE) programwhere students workto present new ideas to local companiesand organizations. “I worked in a team of three with a faculty advisor to communicate with our customers in order to ensure our work was exactly what they wanted,”Nicol said. This became useful in hisrole as a cryptanalystwith the NSAin ordertostay connected withthe necessaryU.S. government departments. “Being able to collaborate with representatives from theseoffices andagenciesis what helps our mission,” Nicol said.
The sentiment was similar when reflecting on the importance ofWooster’sliberal arts education. Nicol likenedhisinteractionswithstudentsfromdiverse backgroundsto hisexperience inthe CybersecurityDirectorate.Heworks with a variety of other groupsand offices, like linguists and special forcesandmust understand their perspectivesto betterprotect their communications.“Having the breadth of courses and experience given to students by Wooster’s liberal arts education enablesmeto effectively communicate and work togetherwitha team,”he said.
Nicol laudedthe passion of his colleagues in creating a productive workplace. “The people I work with truly love their work and are the kind of people who complain when they have to go home,”he said.Their role in testing new crypt systems against simulated attacksand providing that information to the military and policy makers is whatgives the Wooster alumnus meaning.“When ourguidanceismadeavailableto the publicin orderto protect them, I feel confident thatthis is the career for me,” Nicol said.
Posted in Alumni on June 8, 2021.
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Mathematics
Numbers + patterns + structures multiplied by a zest for analysis and inquiry
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