Undergraduate Colloquium: Panorama of Geometry and Topology #11 - Pamela Harris; University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Title: Finding needles in haystacks: Boolean intervals in the weak order of $\mathfrak{S}_n$

Abstract: Finding and enumerating Boolean intervals in $W(\mathfrak{S}_n)$, the weak order of symmetric group $\mathfrak{S}_n$, can feel like trying to find needles in a haystack. However, through a surprising connection to the outcome map of parking functions we provide a complete characterization and enumeration for Boolean intervals in $W(\mathfrak{S}_n)$. We show that

for any $\pi\in\mathfrak{S}_n$, the number of Boolean intervals in $W(\mathfrak{S}_n)$ with minimal element $\pi$ is a product of Fibonacci numbers. This is joint work with Jennifer Elder, Jan Kretschmann, and J. Carlos Martínez Mori

Thursday, April 23, 2026 2:00pm to 3:00pm
MacLean Hall
105
2 West Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
View on Event Calendar
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Keiko Kawamuro in advance at 3193350714 or keiko-kawamuro@uiowa.edu.