2019-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
Take a look at our previous speakers from past years, and their talks at various institutions. Follow the links to watch their recorded presentations and discussions.
Jenna Rajchgot
MARCH 20, 2020
DETERMINANTS, SCHUBERT VARIETIES, AND QUIVER REPRESENTATION VARIETIES
​
Abstract:
Determinantal varieties are algebraic varieties defined by the
simultaneous vanishing of minors of matrices. They are important in
mathematics because many naturally occurring algebraic varieties
have determinantal structure.
In this talk, I'll focus on two such families of algebraic varieties:
(i) Schubert varieties in flag varieties and multiple flag varieties; and
(ii) representation varieties of Dynkin quivers.
The study of each family is motivated by questions in algebraic geometry
and representation theory and has led to beautiful combinatorics.
Furthermore, each family contains, as special cases, classes of
determinantal varieties of independent interest.
I'll discuss an ongoing research program on unifying problems about the
equivariant geometry of representation varieties of Dynkin quivers with
the corresponding problems for Schubert varieties in multiple flag
varieties (joint with Ryan Kinser), as well as some consequences on
combinatorial formulas for degeneracy loci (joint with Ryan Kinser and Allen
Knutson).
​
HOST VENUE:
University of Regina
SPEAKER:
Jenna Rajchgot, Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan
(Learn more about the speaker here​)
Derek Krepski
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
INFINITESIMAL SYMMETRIES OF BUNDLE GERBES
​
Abstract:
The study of gerbes in differential geometry has its origins in the work of Brylinski in the 1990s, and was soon after made more user-friendly through the work of Hitchin and Chatterjee, and ultimately Murray’s `bundle gerbes’. Bundle gerbes are analogous to principal U(1)-bundles (or complex line bundles), in the sense that bundle gerbes are geometric realizations of degree 3 cohomology, as U(1)-bundles are in degree 2. In this talk, we discuss bundle gerbes and consider their infinitesimal symmetries (i.e., vector fields on them), and present some recent related developments in a joint project with Jennifer Vaughan.
​
HOST VENUE:
University of Saskatchewan
SPEAKER:
Derek Krepski, Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba
(Learn more about the speaker here)
Douglas Farenick
NOVEMBER 28, 2019
MATRIX CONVEXITY, SPECTRA AND MEASURES
​
Abstract:
The view that complex matrices ought to be considered in tandem with complex numbers in mathematical theories involving complex numbers (such as convexity theory, spectral theory, and measure theory) has proven to be remarkably rich, touching profoundly, for example, upon functional analysis, real algebraic geometry, and noncommutative function theory. In this lecture, I will discuss this mathematical viewpoint and describe a few of the major theorems in this area. I will also mention some of my own contributions, drawing on collaborative works with Remus Floricel, Michael Kozdron, Sarah Plosker, Jerrod Smith, and Fei Zhou.
​
HOST VENUE:
University of Manitoba - 205 Armes Building
SPEAKER:
Douglas Farenick, Dean of Science at the University of Regina
(Learn more about the speaker here​)