Speaker: Cris Negron (University of Southern California)Title: 3-dimensional field theories for derived categories of quantum group representationsAbstract: I will discuss existence, and constructions, of 3-dimensional field theories for derived categories of quantum group representations. The distinguishing point here is that the state spaces in these theories will be infinite dimensional, and the theory will only be defined on 3-manifolds with nonvanishing outgoing boundary. I will emphasize motivations from mathematical physics and implications for representation theory. (Physics predicts, for example, the existence of deformations of quantum group representations along the relevant Langlands dual group, which then enables deformations of the corresponding theory by local systems.) This is joint work with Agustina Czenky.

Talk Title: Leveraging molecular symmetry to explore unique magnetochemical properties of iron-sulfur clusters

Struggling to stay on track with your writing? This four-session workshop series will help you navigate common challenges and develop strategies for a more productive writing process. We will explore how to manage your time and set realistic expectations, harness perfectionism to your advantage, build a strong working relationship with your dissertation advisor or PI, and use constructive procrastination as a tool for maintaining a healthy writing routine. Each session will be interactive and designed to equip you with practical skills to improve your writing habits.Pre-registration is required to participate and light refreshments will be served.

Come join us as we celebrate the opening of the MIT-LUMA Lab! Full agenda can be found on the Eventbrite page linked above.Global Commons and New Ecologies: The Inaugural Convening of the MIT-LUMA LabA landmark collaboration between the MIT School of Architecture and Planning and the LUMA Foundation, the MIT-LUMA Lab will champion research, creative practice, and pedagogy that address regional and global climate challenges. The lab will operate at the nexus of climate science, technology, art, ecology, and design.The MIT-LUMA Lab’s inaugural convening, Global Commons and New Ecologies, will feature public presentations, film screenings, and celebrations. Speakers from MIT, LUMA, and beyond will elaborate on the Lab’s mission to design for climate resilience and forge new paths for collaboration through research, practice, and innovation.Please note: This is a multi-day event. The first day of this event will be held on April 2, from 4:15 pm to 7:30 pm at the MIT Media Lab, 6th Floor (75 Amherst Street, Building E14-648). The second day will take place on April 3, from 10:15 am to 5:15 pm at the MIT ACT Cube (20 Ames Street, Building E15-001).

Speaker: Evita Nestoridi (Stony Brook)Title: Shuffling via transpositionsAbstract: In their seminal work, Diaconis and Shahshahani proved that shuffling a deck of $n$ cards sufficiently well via random transpositions takes $\frac{1}{2} n \log n$ steps. Their argument was algebraic and relied on the combinatorics of the symmetric group. In this talk, I will focus on a generalization of random transpositions and I will discuss the underlying combinatorics for understanding their mixing behavior and indeed proving cutoff. The talk will be based on joint work with S. Arfaee.

Are you a sophomore (or first year) and considering a career in medicine? Join Prehealth Advising for an info session on how to develop a strong application for medical school and other health profession programs. Attendees will learn receive an overview of the medical school application process along with information on MCAT timelines and test prep, strategies for volunteering & shadowing, and the pros & cons of applying as a junior or taking a gap year.This event will focus on sophomores, but ALL students & alumni are welcome to attend!