Speaker: Melanie Machett Wood (Harvard University)

Title: Finite quotients of 3-manifold groups

Abstract: It is well-known that for any finite group G, there exists a closed
3-manifold M with G as a quotient of the fundamental group of M.
However, we can ask more detailed questions about the possible finite
quotients of 3-manifold groups, e.g. for G and H finite
groups, does there exist a 3-manifold group with G as a quotient but
not H as a quotient?  We answer all such questions.  To prove
non-existence, we prove new parity properties of the fundamental
groups of 3-manifolds.  To prove existence of 3-manifolds with certain
finite quotients but not others, we use a probabilistic method, by
first proving a formula for the distribution of the fundamental group
of a random 3-manifold, in the sense of Dunfield-Thurston.  This is
joint work with Will Sawin.

A fireside chat and a reception will follow the talk.