Dr. Rick Klima

Dr. Rick Klima is a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Appalachian State University and director of the university's First Year Seminar program. Klima’s primary area of scholarship is in applications of linear and abstract algebra, mostly in cryptology and error-correcting codes. Cryptology is the science and art of methods, including mathematical, for disguising information so that it is kept secret from those from whom it is intended to be kept secret. A secondary research area is mathematical election theory, in which mathematics is used to predict, conduct and analyze elections.

Recent projects completed by students under Klima’s direction include the construction of an electromechanical device that replicates the operation of an Enigma cryptographic machine, the device used by Nazi Germany to encrypt information throughout World War II. Students under Klima’s direction have also recently created a new cryptographic method that uses music in the encryption and decryption of information.

Areas of expertise

• Mathematics
• Mathematical election theory
• Information/national security
• Cryptology