Permanents of Fourier Matrices with Even Degree

James Hembree Jr.

This research poster is on the permanents of Fourier matrices of even degree. It introduces the permanent of a square matrix and provides an example of computation. Then, it discusses their properties and how they differ from determinants. Next, it introduces the Fourier matrix and then gives some data that begs for a conjecture: the permanents of Fourier matrices of even degree are 0. Finally, we give two examples of their computations and then reflect on how they may lead us to a proof of the conjecture.

• James Hembree graduated from Cold Springs Mennonite School in Abbeville. He is a transfer student who previously attended Piedmont Technical College. He is a graduating senior majoring in mathematics and minoring in philosophy. James is a peer tutor at Lander's Student Success Center, and he is heading to University of Tennessee, Knoxville to study for a PhD in mathematics this fall after graduating from Lander.