Gretchen Matthews
Southwest Virginia Node Director
Get to Know Me
My work impacts society...
I am passionate about dynamic mentoring and programmatic ideation designed to foster a more inclusive and diverse research ecosystem and inspire the next generation of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers.
Something I learned in my research this year that surprised me...
We have only scratched the surface of how coding theory can be used to support cryptography and 5G technology.
I find the most joy in my work when...
working with my research teams.
Current University
Virginia Tech
Research Area
Applications of algebraic geometry to data storage, protection, and security, especially coding theory and cryptography
Research Summary
Gretchen Matthews' coding theory research has considered desirable properties for cryptic applications, distributed storage systems, and algebraic geometry. Her research focuses on finding new results in data protection and storage using classical algebraic geometry and combinatorics.
Background
Matthews is Professor of Mathematics at Virginia Tech and Director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia.
In addition, she is also affiliated faculty with Virginia Tech’s Hume Center for National Security & Technology and the Academy of Integrated Sciences' Computational Modeling & Data Analytics program, as well as a Fellow of the Association of Women in Mathematics, in recognition of her efforts to broaden participation in mathematics.
Alma Mater
Matthews received her B.S. in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1995 and her Ph.D. in mathematics from Louisiana State University in 1999.