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Wai Kong (John) Yuen

Department of Mathematics

Brock University

Courses:

MATH 5P85 MATH 3P85

Previous Courses:

MATH 5P87 MATH 4P84 MATH 2P82 MATH 2P81 MATH 2P98

Research:

I am interested in probability and statistics in general. My major research area is bounding and optimizing the convergence rates of various Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms and their applications in natural sciences.
Publications

Others:

March 31, 2013: My probability calculations and Java applet game for the Tim Horton's "Roll Up the Rim to Win" Contest have gained some more attention recently. I was interviewed by the Huffington Post for an article on March 25, 2013 and by CBC News Toronto on March 26, 2013. The article and video can be found here. In fact, I even got a free coffee this morning from an unknown person who might have recognized me on TV (she left before I knew my coffee had been paid for)! Since I receive interesting questions about this contest from time to time, I have updated the page to include some of them and explain how things has changed since 2006. I also wrote a JavaScript application for the 2013 game which can be run in more platforms.
March 21, 2006: Interesting probability questions about 2006 Tim Horton's "Roll Up the Rim to Win" Contest. I was interviewed by the St. Catharines Standard for an article on March 18, 2006 and the Barrie Radio Station B101fm (here is the clip) related to this contest.
Older news

Office Hours:

My office hours are T R 1400-1530. You may also drop in at my office any time; I have no objection to unscheduled meetings; but if you wish to be certain to find me, it is best to set up an appointment by speaking with me before or after class or by sending me an email message. Written messages can also be left for me in the office of the Mathematics Department.

Email:

Office: MC J403
Phone: (905) 688-5550, Ext. 3294
Fax: (905) 378-5713
Postal address:
Department of Mathematics
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON
L2S 3A1