{TALK 
        {"October 23}
        {"A matrix interpretation for the descent algebra of type D}
        {"Stephanie van Willigenburg}
        {"}
        {"}
        {"For each Coxeter group we can partition the group elements in a
certain way, and form a formal sum from the elements in each part. These formal
sums form the basis of what is known as a descent algebra. Much study has gone
into those algebras where the Coxeter group involved is either a symmetric
group or a hyperoctahedral group. A vital tool in this study has been the
existence of a "matrix interpretation" of multiplication in these algebras.

In this talk I shall formulate such a matrix interpretation for the descent
algebra of type D, and discuss results that it has suggested.}
}