Trine University hosted the Northeast Region Finalist Announcement for the Modeling
the Future Challenge (MTFC) on Thursday, March 20.
Held virtually, the event recognized the three teams of high school students that
qualified as regional finalists. Those teams will refine their projects for submission
to the MTFC National Symposium.
More than 40 teachers and students took part in the event.
Actuarial science panel
As part of the event, Michael Smith, assistant professor of mathematics and actuarial
science, moderated a panel of Trine University actuarial science students and graduates.
Panelists were: Allyssa Richie, a 2022 graduate with double majors in mathematics
and actuarial science who now works for SummitRe in Fort Wayne; Lexi Westendorf, a
2024 graduate with double majors in mathematics and actuarial science who works for
MedPro; and Lauren Alexander, a junior double majoring in mathematics and actuarial
science.
The panelists discussed why they decided to study actuarial science at Trine and their
experiences with coursework, internships, capstone projects and jobs.
The high school students received information packets about Trine and the actuarial
science program.
Video of the event is available on Vimeo.
Prof. Smith will host an interactive activity during the MTFC National Symposium Opening
Ceremony on Monday, April 28.
The MTFC is an academic competition conducted by The Actuarial Foundation, a nonprofit
organization committed to changing lives through math education, and managed by the
Institute of Competition Sciences. The event seeks to increase engagement with and
awareness of actuarial science, data science and mathematical modeling among high
school students, teachers and the general public.