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Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training

Benedict Russell

Summary

Hello, I am a first year PhD student at the MathSys II CDT, supervised by Dr Paolo Turrini and working with Dr Chin-wing Leung. My interests are in reinforcement learning, interacting particle systems, mean-field dynamics and convergence of evolving networks.

Past Projects

Mean Dynamics in Q-Learning Populations

Supervised by: Paolo Turrini
Collaborators: Dr Chin-wing Leung

We derive a mean-dynamics model for a population of Q-learning agents, which interact according to a predefined partner selection rule. Through the use of markov chains, we provide a robust theoretical and simulation-based analysis of the conditions for cooperation to emerge.

Collective Dynamics of Bounded ABPs

Supervised by: Professor Matthew Turner, Dr Gareth Alexander, Dr Michael Riedl
Collaborators: Luke Meredith, Luisa Estrada 

We present two models for “weaselball” dynamics in confined environments. The first captures collective clockwise and counter-clockwise motion with a minimal set of interaction equations; the second applies Newtonian mechanics to a single weaselball on a circular boundary, yielding a closed-form expression for its steady-state propagation angle. Stability analysis of this latter model lead to a novel experimental design, whose results closely match our theoretical predictions.

Manipulation of STV Elections

Supervised by: Dr Ana Rita Pires

We investigate strategic manipulation of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system by coalitions of voters, situating our work within the broader context of electoral theory. We develop a novel “stability” metric to model Sybil-style attacks—showing that, despite worst-case complexity, small coalitions can feasibly alter STV outcomes. Finally, we prove monotonicity properties about this measure and validate our findings through empirical simulations.

Email: benedict.i.russell@warwick.ac.uk

Office: D1.04

SIAM-IMA

I am Vice-President of the Warwick SIAM-IMA Student Chapter Link opens in a new windowwhich organises the weekly Statistics, Probability, Analysis and Applied Maths (SPAAM) seminar. We have a weekly seminar on Thursdays between 3-4pm. If you'd like to speak, please get in touch!

Conference and Talks

Upcoming

  • BMC-BAMC | University of Exeter | Invited Speaker for 'Dynamics on Complex Networks' mini-symposium

  • AMP25 | University of Oxford | Talk

Past

Teaching Experience

Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant for

Education

  • PhD Mathematics of Systems | University of Warwick
  • MSc Mathematics of Systems | Distinction | University of Warwick
  • BSc Mathematics | First-Class (Hons) | University of Edinburgh

Other Activities