Professor Sally will pursue research in Commutative Algebra on topics related to the theory of local rings and their singularities. The research will also draw from and contribute to the theory of surfaces and higher dimensional varieties in Algebraic Geometry. The primary topics will include the search for finiteness criteria for birationally equivalent local domains and criteria for analytic irreducibility. The goal is the extension (to higher dimension and to more general setting) of some of Zariski's theorems on birational extensions and integrally closed ideals. Professor Sally will teach one undergraduate course in algebra each semester, actively participate in graduate student and faculty seminars in algebra and give lectures, informal talks and counseling to the organizations at Purdue which are concerned with the role of women in science. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
