Department of Mathematics

Math Contests

2007 Bioinformatics Team
A group of SUU students competed in the 2007 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) in Boston on November 3-4, 2007.

Enjoy competition, problem-solving, and challenging math? The SUU math department regularly participates in several math contests.

Bioinformatics Team Competes in Boston
A group of SUU students competed in the 2007 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston on November 3-4, 2007. Beginning last summer, the team used a kit of biological parts to build biological systems with the goal to operate them in living cells. Faculty members Colette Calmelet (math), Charlotte Pederson (biology), and Bruce Howard (chemistry) supervised the project. Well done!
Bioinformatics competition slide show (PPT)
Putnam Exam
The William Lowell Putnam Competition is a national contest for undergraduates and is held on the first Saturday in December. Problems from past exams are available. The SUU Math Club's Putnam Group has regular practice sessions during the fall semester. Please contact the Putnam advisor, Derek Hein, at hein@suu.edu if you are interested. Congratulations to Vishal Lama for ranking 600th among the 3640 participants in the 2006 contest.
Virginia Tech Math Contest
The annual Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Contest is a preparatory exam for the Putnam. The SUU Math Club's Putnam Group participates in the contest. In the fall of 2006, SUU students Vishal Lama and Caroline Nielson scored in the top third in this difficult competition. Caroline tied for 82nd among 347 participants. Vishal tied for 108th. Great job!
Utah State Math Contest
The Utah State Math Contest is for students grades 7-12. It is offered at several universities, including SUU. Try some past exams--they're fun!
2007 Registration and other information for the SUU location

Other Contests of Interest

SUU Integrated Engineering and Technology Department Cardboard Boat Race
SUU's Small Business Development Center's Best Business Plan Competition
Technology Titans Innovation Challenge
A contest for Utah students involving a design or improvement of a product
Modeling Contests
The Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP) sponsors worldwide contests in mathematical modeling and interdisciplinary modeling.

Math Department