Department of

# Mathematics

Seminar Calendar
for events the day of Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

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events for the
events containing

Questions regarding events or the calendar should be directed to Tori Corkery.
    September 2018          October 2018          November 2018
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1       1  2  3  4  5  6                1  2  3
2  3  4  5  6  7  8    7  8  9 10 11 12 13    4  5  6  7  8  9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15   14 15 16 17 18 19 20   11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22   21 22 23 24 25 26 27   18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29   28 29 30 31            25 26 27 28 29 30
30


Wednesday, October 17, 2018

1:00 pm in 2 Illini Hall,Wednesday, October 17, 2018

#### Clifford algebras and K-theory II: The Atiyah-Bott-Shapiro construction

###### Ningchuan Zhang

Abstract: Abstract: In this talk, I’ll construct the Atiyah-Bott-Shapiro map that relates the periodicity of Clifford algebras to the Bott periodicity of $K$-theory. From there, I will explain the Thom isomorphism theorem for $K$ ($KO$)-theory and its relations to $\mathrm{Spin}^c$ ($\mathrm{Spin}$)-structures on a vector bundle. I’ll also talk about how the ABS construction is related to the $\hat{A}$-genus if time allows.

4:00 pm in 245 Altgeld Hall,Wednesday, October 17, 2018

#### Stereotype Threat in the Classroom

###### Vanessa Rivera Quiñones (Illinois Math)

Abstract: Stereotype threat is a phenomenon in which a person’s concern about confirming a negative stereotype can lead that person to underperform. This can affect anyone, depending on the context, but students who identify with groups that are underrepresented in a field or at an institution may be especially vulnerable to its effects. Based on the book, "Whistling Vivaldi" by Claude M. Steele we will discuss what can we do to reduce the potential impact of this “threat” and to create a fair learning environment for all of our students. A limited number of copies are available to borrow. If you'd like to read the book, please contact Vanessa Rivera-Quinones (riveraq2@illinois.edu).

4:00 pm in 2 Illini Hall,Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Abstract: TBD