On May 12th, the Department of Decision Sciences hosted the 5th DEC Internal Research Seminar. The keynote speaker has been Professor Christopher Turansick. Professor Turansick holds a PhD in Economics from Georgetown University and is now an Assistant Professor at DEC. He presented on Applying Graph Theory to Discrete Choice:

Discrete choice studies aggregate level data that arises from individuals making discrete decisions. The discrete nature of these data and decisions makes them natural candidates for applications of graph theoretic and combinatorial tools. In this talk, I will present a survey of my recent work which applies graph theory to the study of discrete choice models, with a focus on the random utility model. My focus will be on the testing as well as the identification properties of these discrete choice models.

The seminar was followed by a unique Intermezzo featuring the jazz quintet Silver Horn, and a social dinner with our Faculty and Staff.

As Professor Emanuele Borgonovo, Director of the Department, said:

“There’s a deep and ancient connection between music and mathematics – one that dates back to the time of Pythagoras, who discovered the harmonic ratios behind sound.”

An inspiring evening where research, rhythm, and relationships came together in perfect harmony.