Persi Diaconis is an American mathematician and statistician known for his work in probability theory and combinatorics. He was born on July 31, 1945, and has made significant contributions to the study of random processes, particularly in the context of card shuffling and the mathematics of games. Diaconis is also a professor at Stanford University. In addition to his academic work, Diaconis is a professional magician, which has influenced his research interests. He has published numerous papers and collaborated with other mathematicians, including David Aldous, focusing on the intersection of mathematics and magic. His unique background allows him to approach problems from a creative perspective.