Welcome to the Columbia Undergraduate Mathematical Modeling Workshop (CUMMW)!
CUMMW is an exceptional opportunity for Columbia and Barnard undergraduate students who have an interest in real-world mathematical modeling. Throughout the workshop, participants will delve into scientific research, covering a spectrum of aspects including project design, data analysis, modeling, simulation, literature review, scientific writing, and collaborative teamwork.
Key Objectives:
- Gain exposure to interdisciplinary skills crucial for contemporary research.
- Develop interpersonal skills through collaborative teamwork.
- Enhance oral and written communication skills.
Students from all majors and mathematical backgrounds are encouraged to join this enriching experience.
CUMMW serves as a stepping stone for involvement in prestigious modeling competition like the Mathematical/Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (MCM/ICM) and the Columbia Mathematical Modeling Contest (CMMC). Moreover, it acts as a preparation ground for CSUREMM, the mathematical modeling summer program offered annually by the Department of Mathematics.
CUMMW offers two tracks for participants to tailor their experience:
- Basic Learning: Hands-on introduction to mathematical modeling tools, including programming and scientific writing (individually or in groups of up to four).
- Competition Training: Designed for those interested in participating in mathematical modeling contests (groups of three).
Take advantage of this opportunity to broaden your horizons, refine your skills, and prepare for exciting mathematical challenges at CUMMW!
The 2024 CUMMW workshop is scheduled to take place online from January 3 to 31, 2024.
To register, please follow this link.
We look forward to having you at CUMMW 2024!
Frequently Asked Questions
- I haven’t taken a lot of math/computing courses. Can I participate in the workshop and competition?
Yes, you can! We will offer introductory sessions in mathematical and statistical modeling. - Is there any prerequisite for participating?
No, there are no prerequisites. - I’m not a math major. Can I participate?
Yes, you can! The nature of the research undertaken in this program is interdisciplinary — non-math majors are very welcome! - I don’t know any programming. Is that okay?
Yes, that is completely fine. We will offer tutorials and resources that can help you familiarize yourself with the basics of programming. - What happens during the workshop sessions? Will we be learning about new mathematical models?
The workshop sessions are hands-on and focus on introducing you to the mathematical modeling process through working in groups on sample modeling tasks. In each session, you will be introduced to the basics of a new topic or mathematical model and then, under the guidance of your mentor, you and your team will work on sample questions using this basic model. You will also be provided with further references to learn about the model more deeply in your own time. The workshop sessions will also introduce you to computation and simulation tools, as well as to scientific writing practices. - Do I have to participate in the workshop in order to participate in MCM/ICM competition?
No, you do not have to. You can participate in the workshop as frequently as you like or not at all. However, only the teams that participate and complete the training within the workshop will be sponsored for the MCM/ICM competition. - Where can I find more info about the workshop/competition?
The Zoom info session in December will provide additional information about the workshop and the modeling competitions. More information on the MCM/ICM competition can be found here. We will organize an additional information session at the beginning of the workshop, in January 2023. - When are the hands-on seminars scheduled?
The seminars will be scheduled on Wednesdays evenings from January 3rd to January 31th. The seminars will be held online, over Zoom. Additional training sessions will be organized by the program mentors. These can be either in-person or online. - Do I need to form a team to participate in the workshop/competition?
You don’t need to part of a team to participate in the workshop, but you will have to form a team of three to participate in the MCM/ICM competition. If you do not currently have a team, you are encouraged to attend the workshop training sessions to meet potential teammates. - How and when do I sign up for the competition?
Please see Contest Rules, Registration and Instructions. We will be registering the teams that successfully complete the workshop.
Other Questions?
Please contact George Dragomir or Ivan Corwin.
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