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Math/CS Club has spent the spring semester learning about Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling. They then participated in MathWorks’ Mathematical Modeling Competition, which asked students across the country to analyze a real world problem using existing data, information, programming, and mathematical reasoning. This year’s problem was concerned with the rise of online gambling. Using Python programming, our club ran hundreds of simulations to determine an individual’s discretionary income, willingness to risk money, and estimated net gains and losses. After that, they submitted a paper detailing their findings.

“I had a lot of fun working on the problem with my teammates and learned a fair bit about coding and data modeling. Will definitely try and do it again.” – Tyler

“We worked on this problem over the course of 14 hours, and that time was filled with many highs and lows. All that being said, I’m glad to have worked with everyone and I feel that everyone else is proud of what we accomplished.” – Derek

“This competition was an enjoyable test of all that I’ve learned in math club this year. Excited to see where this goes next year, although I doubt we’ll get a better topic than gambling!” – Wilson

Dr. Austin Coleman gave a guest lecture to Physics, Statistics, and Math Club students about Numerical Weather Predictions.  Her area of work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) concerns Extreme Weather Scenarios.  She explained how the NOAA Weather Prediction Center uses data collected around the world in order to make predictions about the weather using mathematical models.  Dr. Coleman walked everyone through the scientific process used in creating and verifying a forecast.  She also demonstrated this to us with a case study on the Roanoke Valley during the snowstorm that hit us earlier in the month. She gave us a glimpse into the kind of applied mathematics she uses on her job, ranging from Newton’s Laws of Physics, k-means clustering, Differential Equations, and Chaos Theory.  Dr. Coleman ended with a Q&A where students got to ask her many questions. It was very awesome!