Mason A. Porter: Topological Data Analysis of Social and Spatial Systems

Abstract: Topological Data Analysis (TDA), which is a mathematical approach that leverages topology to study the "shape" of data, has led to insights in a diverse variety of systems across the life, physical, and social sciences. In this talk, I will give a friendly introduction to TDA and in particular to persistent homology (PH), which is one of its key tools. I will then discuss applications of PH to various social and spatial systems. I will draw examples from networks, polling sites, the locations of parks and pubs, and the webs spun by spiders under the influence of various drugs.