Tri-State University honors cryptography students tried decoding the mysteries of Washington, D.C., when they traveled to the nation’s capital Feb. 14-16 to visit the National Cryptologic Museum and other attractions as part of their course work.

Six students and TSU professor Tim Carver also toured the Capitol building, the House of Representatives chambers, the International Spy Museum, and Navy Memorial, while enjoying some free time getting to know the capital city and its train system.

Cryptography concerns the study of codes and deciphering. With five engineering and one forensic science major in the group, they take the course for a variety of reasons, said junior civil engineering major Megan Rowe. She took her first cryptography course last semester to satisfy honors program requirements and enjoyed it so much she decided to take another course as an elective. “It’s a cool class. It’s like dealing with lots of puzzles, and I love puzzles,” she said.

The National Cryptologic Museum, a private museum dedicated to cryptography, displayed fascinating samples of cryptography from eras such as the Civil War. The TSU students also enjoyed a presentation by Bill Williams of the National Security Agency, a rather rare opportunity, Rowe said.

The students found sitting in a seat at the House chambers a little awe-inspiring, as well. “It’s pretty cool when you’re sitting where they make all the laws,” Rowe said. The group of good friends experienced temperatures in 40-50 degree range, a welcome respite from the frigid blast at home. “It was a great break,” Rowe said.