## DEPARTMENTAL PHD THESIS EXAM – David Li-Bland

Monday, March 5, 2012, 1:10 p.m.,  2:10 p.m., in BA 6183, 40 St. George Street

PhD Candidate: David Li-Bland

Thesis Title: $\mathcal{LA}$-Courant Algebroids and their Applications
(http://www.math.toronto.edu/dbland/thesis.html)

Abstract:

In this thesis we develop the notion of $\mathcal{LA}$-Courant algebroids, the infinitesimal analogue of multiplicative Courant algebroids. Specific applications include the integration of $q$-Poisson $(\mathfrak{d},\mathfrak{g})$-structures, and the reduction of Courant algebroids. We also introduce the notion of pseudo-Dirac structures, (possibly non-Lagrangian) subbundles $W\subseteq {\mathbb{E}}$ of a Courant algebroid such that the Courant bracket endows $W$ naturally with the structure of a Lie algebroid. Specific examples of pseudo-Dirac structures arise in the theory of $q$-Poisson $(\mathfrak{d},\mathfrak{g})$-structures.

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Everyone welcome. Coffee will be served in the math lounge before the exam.