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Four students from the University of Southern Mindanao recently participated in the 10th international SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM) 2025.
SCUDEM is a three-student group modeling challenge that runs over multiple days culminating in a strict limit ten-minute video which is reviewed by at least three judges.
The competition required teams of up to three members to select a problem, develop a differential equation model, and deliver a presentation of no more than ten minutes to a panel of judges. Teams worked independently without outside assistance, and judges rate entries as Outstanding, Meritorious, or Successful. The USM participants formed two teams with their coach Dr. Leonard M. Paleta, a faculty member from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
The first team consisted of Miles Angelo Sodejana, who received an Outstanding rating for Problem B: An AI Ouroboros. His work examined how multiple AI models interact when human generated and AI generated content are combined in the training pool, with the aim of understanding long term behavior and patterns in content quality.
The second team, who received a Meritorious award, was composed of John Atilano Hermida, Jose Pono Jr., and Curt Justin Marzo. They worked on Problem C: Birds of Different Feathers, which focused on mixed species animal groups and how differences in behavior influence their collective ability to detect predators.
This marks the third consecutive year of participation for USM students, continuing their streak of Outstanding awards.
