If you plan to attend the meeting, please register with us before-hand. There is no registration fee for the conference, but we would like an approximate head-count prior to the meeting.

• Harald Ellers, Allegheny College
  The centralizer of a subgroup in a group algebra
• Jonathan Hall, Michigan State University
  Title: Triality: algebraic, geometric, and group theoretic
  Abstract: Alternative division algebras arose naturally in Cartan's 1925 work on the automorphisms of Lie groups of type $D_4$ and in Moufang's 1935 work on projective planes satisfying the ``Little'' Theorem of Desargues. These original examples of triality--in, respectively, algebraic, group theoretic, and geometric contexts--have broad generalizations, which are essentially the same in a categorical setting.
• Kiumars Kaveh, University of Pittsburgh
  Title:: Convex bodies and algebraic varieties
  Abstract: We discuss a new connection between algebraic geometry and convex geometry. We explain a basic construction which associates convex bodies to semigroups of integral points. We see how this gives rise to convex bodies associated to algebraic varieties encoding information about their geometry. This far generalizes the notion of Newton polytope of a Laurent polynomial/toric variety. As an application, we give a formula for the number of solutions of an algebraic system of equations on any variety, in terms of volumes of these bodies, far generalizing the well-known Bernstein-Kushnirenko theorem. This has many interesting applications in algebraic geometry, in particular theory of linear systems. For the most part, the talk should be accessible to anybody with some background in algebra and geometry. There are many interesting problems in this area yet to be addressed.
  
• Wen-Fong Ke, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
  Block Intersection Numbers of Certain Block Designs
• Leonid Makar-Limanov, Wayne State University
  The Freiheitssatz for Poisson Algebras
  Abstract: In my talk I remind what is the Freiheitssatz type theorem, recall in which situations FT is proved, outline the recent proof (with Umirbaev) of FT for Poisson algebras, and state some open problems related to FT.
• Sergio Lopez-Permouth, Ohio University
  Title: Measuring modules: alternative perspectives in module theory
  Abstract: We will consider various new ways to gauge the projectivity or injectivity of modules.
  As an illustration of the usefulness of these new approaches, we will focus on modules which are weakest in terms of projectivity or injectivity. We will show how the related notions are interesting in their own right.
  
• Silvia Onofrei, The Ohio State University
  Saturated fusion systems with parabolic families
• Edmund Puczylowski, University of Warsaw
  On the Linear Properties of the Goldie Dimension
  Abstract: The Goldie dimension of a module M is defined as the supremum of all cardinalities lambda such that M contains the direct sum of lambda non-zero submodules. This gives a generalization of the linear dimension from linear spaces to modules. The linear dimension can be characterized in several other ways and thanks of that it is so useful tool in many studies. In that context it is natural to ask which (or how far) the fundamental properties of the linear dimension can be extended to the Goldie dimension. Problems of that sort were studied in many papers. The aim of the talk is to present some old and new results concerning that topic.
• James Wilson, The Ohio State University
  Title: Tools to Tame the Tensor
  Abstract: Bilinear maps lurk behind many problems for groups and algebras. They are present when considering the multiplication of a ring or nonassociative algebra, they define the action on a module, the classical groups are described by bilinear forms, and in more subtle ways the commutation in a nilpotent group is encoded by bilinear maps. At first glance, the only tool for working with bilinear maps is the tensor product, and little else is considered in the world of algebra. In this talk we will introduce various tools with roots in analysis that are ideally suited to answer problems about bilinear maps in general. In effect, there is more than one natural tensor. These techniques answer problems for groups, rings, and algebras that were once thought to be quite difficult. We organize the talk around a tour of these tools. To do this we focus on a case study from group theory: to completely describe the automorphisms of relatively-free groups of an arbitrary group variety satisfying the laws [x,y,z] and x^p, though no serious group theory will be necessary to understand the talk.

Talks will be held in 228 Mathematical Sciences Building.

For directions outside of campus, visit our Maps and Directions page. Within the Kent campus, proceed east on Summit street past the Michael Schwartz Center and the Student Center. Our building is on the left and is identifiable by the sine wave roof. On the Kent State University map look up Mathematics and Computer Science Building.

Parking will be free for conference participants in the lot at the Mathematical Sciences Building. This is lot R-5 on the campus parking map. Update: You will NOT need a parking pass to park on the Algebra Weekend.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Microtel in Streetsboro, 9371 State Route 14, Streetsboro, OH (330) 422-1234. Streetsboro is about 6 miles from Kent. The conference rate will be $49.95 per night, plus tax. Make your reservation with the Microtel directly by calling (330) 422-1234. Tell them you are with the Kent Regional Algebra Conference (KRAW). Please contact one of organizers if you encounter any trouble making your reservation.

Mikhail Chebotar
Stephen M. Gagola, Jr.
Mark L. Lewis
Jenya Soprunova
Donald L. White

Department of Mathematical Sciences, Kent State University
The Office of the Provost, Kent State University
Kent State Division of Research and Sponsored Programs
The Office of the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Kent State University