String topology studies various algebraic structures given by intersecting loops in a manifold, as well as those on the Hochschild chains or homology of an algebra. In this preparatory talk, we survey a collection of such structures and their relationships with one another.
In the first talk I will introduce the main constructions, many of which are classical, from scratch. This part will be introductory and accessible to a general audience with a basic knowledge of topology. This introduction will also serve as preparation for the main talk in which I will outline the proof and discuss some applications.
I will discuss the orderability of the fundamental groups of knot complements including known results, a useful technique using some ideas of Baumslag, and some interesting questions that have recently arisen from this study.
Georgia Institute of Technology
North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332
Phone: 404-894-2000
