Contest in Modeling

What is the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)?
The COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) is an annual international contest where teams of three undergraduates use mathematical modeling to solve a real world problem. Each team is required to choose one of two problems posed and submit a solution within 96 hours. During this brief period of time, students must clarify and make necessary assumptions about the problem, develop and implement a mathematical model, and compose their findings in a clear and coherent paper.

How can Columbia students enter the COMAP MCM?
Prof. David Keyes, and I have organized meetings to distribute information about the contest and facilitate team formation. If you are an undergraduate student in the sciences and would like to participate in the competition, you should contact Prof. Keyes or myself.

How did I get involved with the COMAP MCM?
Under the guidance of my advisor Prof. Jim Morrow I became involved with this contest as an undergraduate at the University of Washington during my junior and senior years. This competition was extremely rewarding for me and a highlight in my undergraduate experience. My junior year we received Meritorious winner and my senior year we received Outstanding winner and were awarded the INFORMS Prize. My team's paper entitled Analysis of Dam Failure in the Saluda River Valley was published in The UMAP Journal.