Mathematical Contest in Modeling

The Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) is an annual contest, sponsored by the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP), in which undergraduates at colleges and universities all over the world are asked to develop and analyze mathematical models for open-ended practical problems. Students work in teams of three and are allowed to use computers, books, and any other inanimate sources of knowledge. Solutions are judged as Successful Participant, Honorable Mention, Meritorious, or Outstanding Winner. The MCM is held early in February. In order to participate, a team of students must be registered by a faculty sponsor. For complete instructions for the contest, see the official MCM web site.

St. Bonaventure University entered two teams in the 1996 Mathematical Contest in Modeling. The solution submitted by one of the teams was selected by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) as Outstanding, which is the highest recognition. The members of the winning team were Daniel Calderon (class of 1997), David Tascione (class of 1997), and P.J. Darcy (class of 1996). The faculty sponsor for the team was Dr. Al White. Daniel and P.J. attended the SIAM National Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri in July of 1996 to accept the award for their team. The SBU Department of Mathematics received a certificate from SIAM that honors the achievement of the winning team. This certificate hangs in the Mathematics Suite in De La Roche Hall.