UMW To Host Fourth Annual BrainFest Mathematical Modeling Competition

The University of Montana Western Department of Mathematics invites all interested high school students to participate in BrainFest, a mathematical modeling competition, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the University of Montana Western campus. Participants will have the chance to win a $500 or $250 scholarship to UMW.

BrainFest offers participants an immersive, hands-on problem-solving experience that highlights the types of challenges Montana Western students and faculty work through in the classroom using mathematical modeling.

This year’s BrainFest competition, titled Trilobite Invasion!, gives students the opportunity to explore how deep-water trilobites recolonize shallow-water habitats following extinction events. Participants will use a computer model to design their own trilobite species with the goal of creating the most successful invader.

Once designs are finalized, each trilobite model will be entered into a simulator, where it will compete against others to determine which species is best at invading shallow seas. The winner will be the student whose design proves to be the most effective invader.

Participants will be supported throughout the competition by Montana Western mathematics majors, with UMW mathematics faculty available to answer questions and provide guidance during the modeling process. This free event also includes lunch for all participants.

Students interested in the following topics are encouraged to participate:

• Mathematics and/or natural sciences

• Mathematical modeling and simulation

• Problem-solving

• Asking questions and designing projects to find answers

• Collaborating with peers, math major mentors, and faculty

“The UMW faculty are excited to offer BrainFest again this year. We have a lot of fun coming up with a new model for prospective students each year. It is very enjoyable to watch students learn about and model these species. We had a great success last year and hope to build on that this year and are excited to see which model wins,” said Dr. Joseph Eason, Associate Professor of Mathematics and BrainFest organizer.

To register for the competition, visit https://apply.umwestern.edu/register/brainfest. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, please contact joseph.eason@umwestern.edu.