The COMAP MCM/ICM is a highly regarded international competition for university students that challenges them to solve complex, real-world problems using mathematical modeling. Over a single 96-hour weekend, teams of up to three students choose from a variety of open-ended problems, which can range from optimizing public transportation to modeling the spread of a disease. The contest is split into two categories: the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM), which focuses on traditional math methods, and the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM), which requires a broader approach from fields like environmental science or policy.
The core of the contest is for teams to develop a comprehensive solution and write a persuasive, well-structured paper detailing their approach. This report must clearly explain their assumptions, methods, and conclusions. The competition is not just about getting the right answer; it’s about the entire process, including teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication. Students learn to tackle unstructured problems and clearly explain their technical work to a general audience.
Ultimately, the COMAP MCM/ICM is a valuable experience that goes beyond the classroom. It proves that mathematics is a practical tool for addressing some of the world’s most challenging issues. Winning an award is a significant achievement that is highly respected by employers and graduate programs.
In the last edition, last February, an Emory Team consisting of the three students
Zhijiang Ye, Chengrou Zou, Xudong He was designated as Meritorious Winner for their project on “A Hybrid Structural Analysis Framework for Stair Wear Quantification”.
We warmly congratulate our fantastic math-modeler students!