De-Stressing Math Collective (DMC): Pause and Effect - The Mathematics of Waiting in Line
Join the De-Stressing Math Collective (DMC) for "Pause and Effect: The Mathematics of Waiting in Line." The speaker will be Shefali Ramakrishna Westfield AB/MA ’22. Snacks will be served in the Math Lounge (Park 360) at 6:30 PM.
Talk Abstract: Every time you wait in line, whether at Erdman, on hold with customer service, or for a page to load, you’re inside a queue. Queueing theory is the mathematics of waiting in lines, and it turns up wherever requests arrive at random and compete for a limited resource. The answers we get from queueing theory are often surprising! In this talk, we’ll build a model of a queue from scratch, using only basic probability. We’ll ask when a line empties out, how long it takes, and why small changes in the system can matter so much. No queueing background needed or expected. Just come curious and ready to interact!!
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of all individuals in all aspects of campus life. Should you wish to request a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact the event sponsor/coordinator. Requests should be made as early as possible.