Persi Diaconis

Persi Diaconis is a world-renowned American mathematician, statistician, and magician. He is the Mary V. Sunseri Professor of Statistics and Mathematics at Stanford University, where he has held since 1978 and co-directs the Applied Probability and Statistics laboratory. His research interests include design of experiments, probability theory, random matrices, Bayesian inference, and analysis of algorithms. He is a highly decorated scholar in his field and has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States given by the President of the United States.

Diaconis has been a lifelong magician as well, and in his own words, he “ ... got hooked on both magic and math and never looked back.” As his research in probability, statistics, and mathematics has progressed, his understanding of the magicians’ craft has deepened. In 1976, he co-authored “Magical Mathematics” aimed at the general public to demonstrate the application of mathematical principles to stage magic. The book is still regarded as one of the best sources on the intersection of mathematics and magic available to the public.

In 2017, Diaconis presented his popular and influential book “Gambler’s Ruin, and other Mathematical Puzzles” on the topic of gambling, probability and chance. This book is aimed at the mathematics enthusiast and presents paradoxes, puzzles, and problems related to the study of probability. From the theoretical “Monty Hall Paradox”, to the many gambling pitfalls, the author explains in detail the foundation of probability and how those concepts are used in everyday situations.

In 2019, Diaconis released “Tales from a Magical World”, a collection of his essays and lectures written over that past two decades. In this magnum opus, he presents topics about magic and mathematics, and how it applies to the real world. He shares his personal journey and how his interest in magic profoundly impacted his mathematical analysis and the development of probability theories. The book provides insight and examples to those wishing to unearth the mathematics of the impossible and learn how this is often linked to the development of science itself.

Diaconis has attained numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science and the distinguished Steele Prize. His contribution to the public understanding of probability and its role in magic and the performing arts have made him an international luminary. His books are highly regarded by the public and his insights are helping to unlock the mysteries of the mathematics of the impossible. He will continue to be a highly sought after speaker for years to come and continue to share his deep understanding and appreciation of the intersection of the two disciplines.