Heavy Metal Accumulation through Candy Consumption: Our Team Approach to this SCUDEM IX 2024 Problem

Day 2 | 5:30 PM–6:00 PM

"Heavy Metal Accumulation through Candy Consumption: Our Team Approach to this SCUDEM IX 2024 Problem"

Presented by:
Kyla Covato, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA USA
Megan Kwiatkowski, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA USA
Mitchell Livengood, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA USA

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Abstract: Mathematics and the modeling of real-world devices is an integral part of biomedical engineering (BME) and because of this, students often pursue a minor or double major in mathematics to augment their engineering degree. In the fall of 2024, we participated in the annual differential equations modeling challenge SCUDEM IX 2024 hosted by SIMIODE. Starting in August 2024, our team met weekly to learn modeling techniques from our coach Dr. Kimberly Williams from Duquesne University. We reviewed videos from previous SIMIODE competitions and learned a few classic mathematical models. When it came time for us to choose our own problem for the competition, we decided to address Problem A: Sweet Tooth and Heavy Metal. Our goal was to create a model indicating how much toxic heavy metal is retained in the body after eating chocolate. We focused on how yearly fluctuations in candy purchases might be tied to the level of heavy metal found within the body. We are currently extending our model and working towards publishing a paper by the end of the spring semester. In our presentation we will discuss our development process focusing on how we chose the problem, obtained the data we used to parameterize our model, structured our model, and developed our presentation. We will include tips and suggestions for improvement of the process. Earning an outstanding award validated our hard work and has encouraged us to share our results in this presentation and upcoming paper submission.