Research
I use tools from algebraic geometry to answer questions about resolvent degree. Resolvent degree is a measure of complexity for field extensions, branched covers of varieties, algebraic functions, groups, etc.
For more on resolvent degree, consider looking at www.resolventdegree.com.
My dissertation was titled Upper Bounds on the Resolvent Degree of General Polynomials and the Families of Alternating and Symmetric Groups and is available here.
Papers
On Resolvent Degree
Upper Bounds on Resolvent Degree via Sylvester's Obliteration Algorithm
Joint with Curtis Heberle, New York Journal of Mathematics
For each n, let RD(n) be the minimal d for which there exists a formula for the roots of the generic degree n polynomial using algebraic functions of at most d variables. In this paper, we recover an algorithm of Sylvester for determining non-zero solutions of systems of homogeneous polynomials, which we present from a modern algebro-geometric perspective. We then use this geometric algorithm to determine improved thresholds for upper bounds on RD(n).
Journal link arXiv link ar5iv link
Upper Bounds on Resolvent Degree and Its Growth Rate
Submitted for publication
For each n, let RD(n) be the minimal d for which there exists a formula for the roots of the generic degree n polynomial using algebraic functions of at most d variables. In this paper, we provide improved thresholds for upper bounds on RD(n). Our techniques build upon classical algebraic geometry to provide new upper bounds for small n and, in doing so, fix gaps in the proofs of A. Wiman and G.N. Chebotarev in [Wim1927] and [Che1954].
For this project, I have translated the relevant articles of Wiman and Chebotarev; see the Translations section below.
On Betti Diagrams
Rational combinations of Betti diagrams of complete intersections
Joint with M. Annunziata, C. Gibbons, and C. Hawkins, Journal of Algebra and Its Applications
Research conducted as part of the Willamette Mathematics Consortium REU in 2015
We investigate decompositions of Betti diagrams over a polynomial ring within the framework of Boij-Söderberg theory. That is, given a Betti diagram, we determine if it is possible to decompose it into the Betti diagrams of complete intersections. To do so, we determine the extremal rays of the cone generated by the diagrams of complete intersections and provide a rudimentary algorithm for decomposition.
Translations
For several projects I have worked on, I have translated certain classical articles from their original language into modern English.
On the Problem of Resolvents
Originally written in Russian by G.N. Chebotarev in 1954.
On the Application of Tschirnhaus Transformations to the Reduction of Algebraic Equations
Originally written in German by Anders Wiman in 1927.
About the Solution of the General Equations of Fifth and Sixth Degree (Excerpt from a letter to Mr. K. Hensel)
Originally written in German by Felix Klein in 1905.
Talks
Invited Talks
Solving Polynomials, Resolvent Degree, and Geometry, Algebraic & Number Theory Seminar, UC Santa Cruz, May 2022.
Solving Polynomials, Resolvent Degree, and Geometry, Algebraic Geometry Seminar, The Ohio State University, Feb 2022.
What is... resolvent degree?, What is... a seminar?, September 2021. (Virtual)
Solving Polynomials, Resolvent Degree, and Geometry, Mathematics Teacher-Scholar Symposium, Reed College, May 2021. (Virtual)
On the Geometry of Solutions of the Sextic in Two Variables, Algebra Seminar, UC San Diego, Feb 2020.
On Klein and Fricke’s Modular Solution of the Sextic, AMS Western Sectional Meeting, UC Riverside, Nov 2019.
Mathematics & Music: Application of Groups in Music Theory and Composition, Occidental College Mathematics Department, Sep 2019.
Departmental Talks
UC Irvine
Embracing Geometry: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Solve Polynomials, MGSC and AMS Math Grad Student Conference, Apr 2020.
On the Geometry of Solutions of the Sextic in Two Variables, Mathematics Graduate Student Colloquium, Jan 2020.
On Klein and Fricke’s Modular Solution of the Sextic, Mathematics Graduate Student Colloquium, Nov 2019.
Solving Polynomials After Klein: The Theory of Resolvent Degree, Mathematics Graduate Student Colloquium, May 2019.
Mathematics & Music: Applications of Groups in Music Theory and Composition, Future Faculty Program, Feb 2018.
Oberlin College
Mathematics & Music: Applications of Groups in Music Theory and Composition, Mathematics Senior Lecture, May 2016.
Rational Combinations of Betti Diagrams of Complete Intersections, Summer Research Showcase, Nov 2015.
Poster Presentations
A. Sutherland, Solving Polynomials, Resolvent Degree, and Geometry, Combinatorial, Computational, and Applied Algebraic Geometry, Seattle, WA, Jun 2022.
A. Sutherland, Solving Polynomials, Resolvent Degree, and Geometry, Graduate Student Topology and Geometry Conference, Atlanta, GA, Apr 2022 (Virtual).
A. Sutherland, Special Points on Fano Varieties of Complete Intersections and Applications to Resolvent Degree, Graduate Student Topology and Geometry Conference, Bloomington, IN, Apr 2021 (Virtual).
M. Annunziata, C. Hawkins and A. Sutherland, Rational combinations of Betti diagrams of complete intersections, MAA Undergraduate Poster Session at Joint Mathematics Meetings, Seattle, WA, Jan 2016.
Alex Sutherland's Poster for GSTGC 2022.pdf