AUT students top maths modelling comp
Two teams of AUT students received the top award at an international mathematical modelling competition, while two others were also recognised for their skills in the field.
Each team of up to three undergraduate students competed at the 10th SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modelling (SCUDEM) competition, which focuses on the use of differential equations to model real world problems.
The competition runs over multiple days during which teams select a problem, develop a differential equation model and create a 10-minute video, which is reviewed by a panel of judges.
Team Einstein, which consisted of Hamzeh Obeidat, Natalia Pere and Zach Liam Barrett, received an outstanding award for their modelling of Problem B: An AI Ouroboros.
The team modelled what might happen when multiple AI models interact in the presence of new content that is generated by people as well as content generated by other AI models, how new content generated would be impacted and what long term patterns might emerge.
Team Laplace, consisting of Kayla Garnett, Marlo Wilson Thacker and Tymofii Milburn, also received an outstanding award.
Team Laplace modelled Problem A: It Is Raining Space Dust, which explores how cosmic dust particles found on the earth’s surface can be used to help better understand the phenomena.
Engineering student Kayla Garnett, who had previously competed in SCUDEM 2024, says much of the preparation for the contest came from concepts learnt in AUT engineering mathematics courses.
“By participating in SCUDEM, I was able to apply my knowledge to real-world applications whilst practising my teamwork and critical thinking skills,” she says.
Team Einstein member Zach Liam Barrett, who had also competed in SCUDEM in 2024, says he got a lot out of the competition both times around.
“Even outside of the experience with mathematical modelling, which was certainly valuable, I found that working with new people to make something we were proud of was very rewarding.”
Both Zach and Kayla say they’d recommend participating in SCUDEM to any student considering it.
“I am of the strong opinion that the most valuable parts of university are everything you can do outside of your classes, and this is a great example. I would recommend that any decently motivated student try to get into things like this,” Zach says.
Two other teams of students from AUT were also recognised in the competition. They were Team Fourier (Successful Award) which consisted of Aman Devta and Shushmita Paul; and Team Euler (Meritorious Award) which consisted of Willam Brian Harris and Wiremu Cleave.
All four teams were coached by AUT mathematics lecturer Dr Hammed Fatoyinbo and senior lecturer Dr Kerri Spooner.
“These students have successfully taken on complex, real-world problems and have been recognised at an international level for doing so,” Dr Fatoyinbo says.
Their success in this competition reflects their technical skills, creativity, teamwork, and willingness to push boundaries in understanding how maths shapes the world around us.”