Speaker: David Chan (Michigan State University) 

       Title: Equivariant algebraic K-theory

     Abstract: Algebraic K-theory is a rich invariant of rings with connections to geometric topology,
       algebraic geometry, and number theory. Despite the importance of K-theory computations remain
       difficult in this field. Recently, there has been growing interest in equivariant algebraic K-theory, a
       refinement of K-theory for rings with an action by a finite group. The key idea is that we can obtain
       computational leverage by exploiting the symmetries encoded by a group action. In this talk, I will
       give an overview of algebraic K-theory and its applications, and discuss some work on building up
       the theory of equivariant algebraic K-theory, as well as some computations.
       (Contact person: Anna Marie Bohmann)




        Friday, April 17

        Speaker: Mohammad Farajzadeh-Tehrani (University of Iowa) 

        Title: Geometric P=W conjecture and Thurston's compactification

        Abstract: The Geometric (P = W) conjecture predicts the existence of projective compactifications
       of character varieties with rich geometric properties. For SL(2,C) character varieties over closed surfaces,
       I will use new results, together with established facts about Thurston's compactification of Teichmuller
       space, to address the conjecture in a strong sense. A main technical step, of independent interest, is the
       derivation of an explicit formula for a well-known embedding of the set of isotopy classes of multicurves
       on a closed surface of genus g into \N^{9g-9}.This talk is based on joint work with Charlie Frohman and
       Ashwin A. Kutteri.
       (Contact person: Rares Rasdeaconu)