Abstract: In these lectures, I will discuss results, conjectures, and counterexamples related to the cohomology and algebraic cycle theory of three fundamental moduli spaces in algebraic geometry: the moduli of curves, the moduli of K3 surfaces, and the moduli of abelian varieties. The lectures will emphasize various beautiful connections between these spaces. The goal will be to present an up-to-date view of the structure of the tautological classes without assuming any previous knowledge of the study of these moduli spaces.

A reception for Professor Pandharipande will be held Tuesday, April 11, at 5:00 p.m. in the Mathematics Upper Atrium, East Hall