Date: Friday 13 April 2012, 4:30pm
Location: Hempfield High School, Room 213
 Speaker: Robert Ghrist, University of Pennsylvania
   Title: Topological Duality and Network Flows

Abstract.  
Numerous problems in optimization theory, combinatorics, and network
theory are related to the classical theorem known as
Max-Flow-Min-Cut. This talk will recall this gem of a result and give a
modern update using algebraic topology. The added sophistication in the
proof will be seen to yield a vast increase in generality and
applicability.  Very little background will be assumed.