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.