Bi-Co Math Colloquium with Michael Dougherty
Michael Dougherty of Swarthmore College will give a talk titled, 'Graphs, Braids, and Configuration Spaces.'
Abstract:
How can we model an ensemble of objects moving through a plane without colliding? What kind of motions are allowed when the objects are constrained to a graph instead? Is there a shape to the set of complex polynomials with distinct roots? Each of these questions can be understood and answered using a topological object known as a “configuration space”. In this talk, we will explore a few examples of these spaces and discuss their associated combinatorics and geometry.
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of all individuals in all aspects of campus life. Should you wish to request a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact the event sponsor/coordinator. Requests should be made as early as possible.