Square Pegs and Round Holes

Explore the fascinating world of lattice homology in this 25-minute talk from the Fields Institute. Delve into the algebraic structure used to study three-manifolds and discover how integer lattices fail to topologically approximate ellipsoids. Learn about low-dimensional topology, singular homology, intersection form, latismology, plumbing, three-manifolds, and Spin C structures through an engaging presentation. Gain insights into the challenges of interacting with institutions not designed for specific needs, drawing parallels with the mathematical concepts discussed. Presented by Seppo Niemi-Colvin, a Ph.D. student at Duke University specializing in low dimensional topology, this talk offers a unique blend of mathematical theory and personal perspective.