RADFORD – Speak the words “breaking secret codes using mathematical techniques,” and you’re almost certain to have the attention of everyone in the room.

That topic is just one of many being taught by Radford University faculty to female high school students this week during Summer Bridge 2009, a week-long academic residential camp hosted by RU’s College of Science and Technology.

Summer Bridge 2009 began Sunday and offers rising sophomore, junior and senior female high school students a chance to learn more about educational and professional opportunities available to them in mathematics, science and information technology. This year, students hail from Montgomery, Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan, Washington, Bland, Fairfax, Henrico, Pulaski, Dickenson and Chesterfield counties as well as Radford City, Chesapeake and Lynchburg.

In addition to the breaking secret codes course, students are learning about analyzing food to determine if it contains DNA from genetically modified organisms, using archaeology techniques to investigate crime scenes and exploring the technological and social aspects of creating online communities.

Dominion Resources, Novozymes Biologicals, Polymer Solutions and Project Discovery are sponsoring this year's Summer Bridge program and offered free tuition, room and board for the participating students.