Heat waves are not only occurring more frequently, but they are growing more intense, lasting longer, and spreading across broader periods of the year—an alarming trend that has persisted for more than 50 years. Despite advancements in technology, the high energy demand during heat waves can put significant strain on the electrical grid, often resulting in widespread loss of electricity. Without electric power, homes and businesses lose the ability to stay cool, while critical infrastructure—like communication networks, hospitals, and transportation systems—struggle to function.

For this year’s MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge problem, the team needs to predict temperature changes inside a dwelling during a heatwave, predict demand on the power grid, and develop a plan for allocating resources to minimize the effects of heat waves and power grid failures.

My team and I modeled power grid vulnerability during heat waves using math, physics and programming in a 14-hour competition. In addition, we developed policy solutions through data researching and analyzing energy demand, infrastructure stress and demographic patterns. We traveled to NYC to present our findings as one of the 6 finalists, placed 3rd among 800 teams from US and UK, and won $10,000 scholarship award.