Jason Gershman, Ph.D., assistant professor/coordinator of mathematics in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, will continue the Mathematics Colloquium Series with a talk titled “Math in the Ballroom: Does Your Vote Matter on Dancing with the Stars?” The presentation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1:00 p.m., in the Mailman-Hollywood Building, room 311.
The popular television show Dancing with the Stars utilizes a voting system with some intriguing mathematical twists. Examining fairness and technique, Gershman will contrast the DTWS polling system with other voting systems—such as those used to elect presidents, decide which college football teams compete for the national championship, and determine the next “American Idol.”
Gershman will also discuss optimal voting strategies and game theory within the context of real situations from the show. This event is free, and all NSU students and faculty and staff members are welcome to attend.
The annual Mathematics Colloquium Series, hosted by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, began in fall 2009 at Nova Southeastern University. These lectures aim to increase awareness of mathematics’ importance and applications in daily life. The series also gives mathematics faculty members and students the opportunity to discuss independent research and share their passion for the subject.
For more information on this lecture or the college’s Mathematics Colloquium Series, contact Vehbi Paksoy, Ph.D., or Iuliana Stanculescu, Ph.D., assistant professors in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences.