Quantifying and modelling good communicators in dynamic phone networks

Dynamic networks are those with a connectivity structure that changes over time. In this setting, the ability of a node to transmit or receive information cannot be accurately measured, in general, by considering only simple snapshots or time-averages. In this presentation, in the context of cell phone communication, we describe some recent ideas in (a) measuring node centrality and (b) defining explanatory mathematical models, for dynamic networks. Our focus is on dynamic communicators: individuals who, either through status, intelligence or foresight, are able to communicate extremely effectively, in a manner that could not be discovered from static centrality measures.