How (and How Not) to Write Rules About Gerrymandering: A Masterclass with Moon Duchin

For this Masterclass, we are thrilled to present Professor of Computer Science and Data Science Moon Duchin, whose research explores mechanisms of representative democracy, from redistricting to "alternative" electoral systems like ranked choice voting. Professor Duchin’s Masterclass topic, “How (and how not) to write rules about gerrymandering” will detail algorithmic approaches that illuminate the properties of "neutral" redistricting. Duchin’s use of math modeling to analyze redistricting has led to her serving as an expert in numerous voting rights court cases throughout the United States, as well as advising legislatures and independent commissions. Professor Duchin earned her BA in Mathematics and Women’s Studies from Harvard and her MS and PhD (both in Mathematics) from the University of Chicago. Within the Data Science Institute, she serves as faculty director of the Data and Democracy Research Initiative.