Algorithms in Complex Dynamics and Mapping Class Groups
Nov 2-3, 2019

Speakers:

James Belk (St. Andrews)
Dzmitry Dudko (Stony Brook)
Tanya Firsova (Kansas State)
Sarah Koch (Michigan)
Johanna Mangahas (Buffalo)
Volodymyr Nekrashevych (Texas A&M)
Saul Schleimer (Warwick)
Dylan Thurston (Indiana)
Rebecca Winarski (Michigan)
Oyku Yurttas (Dicle)

Abstract:

Thurston maps are orientation-preserving branched covering maps of the two-sphere to itself for which the forward orbits of the branch points form a finite set. They arise in the classification of complex dynamical systems.

Recent work has shown close connections between the combinatorial, topological, and algebraic theory of Thurston maps and that of mapping class groups. The algorithmic and computational theories of mapping class groups are highly advanced and have reached the point of effective implementation via computer programs. However, such implementations for Thurston maps are significantly less advanced. The aim of the proposed Hot Topic workshop is to bring together researchers in the computational theory of mapping class groups and those in the combinatorial theory of Thurston maps in order to make headway on fundamental problems.

Organizers: Dan Margalit, Kevin Pilgrim, Rebecca Winarski

ICERM welcomes applications from faculty, postdocs, graduate students, industry scientists, and other researchers who wish to participate. Some funding may be available for travel and lodging. Graduate students who apply must have their advisor submit a statement of support in order to be considered.  Applications are now open at:

https://icerm.brown.edu/events/ht19-3-acdm/