Graph Theory: From Euler’s Bridges to Chudnovsky’s Perfect Graphs

Graph theory began in the 18th century with Leonhard Euler’s elegant solution to the Seven Bridges of Königsberg—a puzzle that launched a new way of representing systems through nodes and edges. Since then, it has become a powerful tool for understanding networks, from social interactions to flight paths.

In this compelling episode of The Joy of Why, Princeton mathematician Maria Chudnovsky shares her journey into graph theory, her role in solving the long-standing Perfect Graph Theorem, and how this abstract field helped her plan something surprisingly practical: her wedding seating chart. With co-host Janna Levin, Chudnovsky also discusses the timeless, universal nature of mathematics and her unexpected role as a “superstar mathematician” in commercials.