Syracuse Algebra Seminar

Fall 2026 Schedule:

• September 4: Kory Pollicove, Syracuse University, Systems of Higher Homotopies and Koszul Morphisms

  • Abstract: Systems of higher homotopies have been an indispensable tool in the development of the homological theory of complete intersections. For example, the Eisenbud-Shamash resolution provides a way to transfer resolutions over complete intersections using  data of the higher homotopies. In joint work with Dorian Kalir and Ryan Watson, we generalize the definition of systems of higher homotopies in a way that recovers the Eisenbud-Shamash resolution, Bar resolution, and the Priddy resolution for Koszul algebras. In the talk, we will introduce this definition and see several of its applications to Koszul morphisms.

• September 11: Josh Pollitz, Syracuse University, Derived differential operators 

  • Abstract: A classical construction of Grothendieck associates to a map of commutative rings its corresponding ring of differential operators. There have been a wealth of applications of these operators in a wide variety of areas, especially when the target is smooth over a field of characteristic zero. In this talk, I will discuss joint work with Jeffries, Mallory, Miller, and Quinlan-Gallego where we provide a dg enhancement of the derived functors of Smith and Van den Bergh that replaces the ordinary ring of differential operators with a dg algebra of derived differential operators. I will discuss how this dg algebra fits into a framework of Koszul duality, and, in the setting of F-finite rings, I will explain a derived analog of a classical interpretation of the ordinary ring of differential operators in terms of the Frobenius endomorphism.

• September 18: No seminar, campus holiday

• September 25: Kent Vashaw, SUNY-Albany

  • Abstract: TBA

• October 2: Aryaman Maithani, University of Utah

  • Abstract: TBA

• October 16: Timothy Tarter, James Madison University 

  • Abstract: TBA

• October 23: Maria Akter, University of Alabama, 

  • Abstract: TBA

• November 6: Joe Waldron, Michigan State University

  • Abstract: TBA

• November 13: Uli Walther, Purdue University

  • Abstract: TBA

• November 20: TBA

  • Abstract: TBA

• December 4: TBA

  • Abstract: TBA