Persi Diaconis

About

Professor of mathematics and part-time magician who takes a scientific approach to the art. He is known for investigating mathematical problems involving randomization with coin flipping.

Before Fame

He supported himself in his youth by cheating at cards aboard ships.

Trivia

Through rigorous mathematical analysis he showed only seven shuffles are needed to truly randomize a deck of cards.

Family Life

His wife Susan Holmes is a Stanford professor.

Associated With

Martin Gardner mentioned him in his autobiography.