Algebra and Combinatorics Seminar
Date: September 29, 2017
Time: 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Location: BLOC 117
Speaker: Sarah Witherspoon , Texas A&M University
Title: Algebraic deformation theory and the structure of Hochschild cohomology
Abstract: Some questions about deformations of algebras can be answered by using Hochschild cohomology, and in particular by using its Lie/Gerstenhaber brackets. Until very recently there was no independent description of this Lie structure for an arbitrary resolution, a big disadvantage both theoretically and computationally. In this talk, we will first introduce Hochschild cohomology and explain its role in algebraic deformation theory. We will then summarize recent progress by several mathematicians, focusing on examples.