Speaker: Dalen Dockery

Title: A Tour of the Partition Function

Abstract: The partition function is one the most studied functions in number theory, and yet its incredible properties are still being unearthed. In this talk, I’ll start by discussing the history of the partition function and the discoveries that facilitated its study. Next I’ll describe the sorts of problems modern researchers investigate, and I’ll end by mentioning several tools that are useful for tackling such questions. Along the way, I’ll point out a collection of the field’s open problems and avenues for further study.