In an outstanding demonstration of creativity and dedication to solving critical societal challenges, three second-year Vanderbilt students—Yidi Wang, Yichi Liu, and Xiyu Wang—triumphed in the 2024 Vanderbilt Map the System Student Pitch competition. The competition was fierce, showcasing a variety of creative solutions. However, it was the trio's project, "Challenges to a Just Transition for Coal Workers in a Coal-Dominated Economy in Shanxi, China," that secured the top spot.
Map the System is a prestigious international contest that prompts students to explore complex social and environmental issues using a thorough systems thinking approach. Over fourteen weeks, participants undertake extensive research projects, culminating in a presentation of their findings to an expert panel of judges at Vanderbilt University's annual event. The winning Vanderbilt team received a cash prize of $2,500 and a personalized Wond’ry Map the System trophy.
“It has been joyful to watch students start their MTS journey with issues and areas that motivated them in September and then build on that passion to more deeply understand the global systemic challenges and opportunities around their chosen topic. We are proud of how these students connected with community members beyond Vanderbilt to gain a holistic perspective and honed relationships over time,” said Sarah Saeed and Jackie Hansom, program managers in the Wond’ry’s Social Innovation practice area and co-leads for this year’s Map the System program.
Further exploration into the winning team’s presentation reveals that over a 40 year timeframe, a potential 93% of workers within the coal industry will have lost their jobs, with little in place to support their transition. Some support levers they proposed would be increased introduction and training into renewable energy industries, an increase in hardship relief programs, and vocational training programs shored through government subsidies, among other solutions. The team’s capacity to identify and articulate intricate issues and propose practical strategies distinguished them, striking a chord with the judges.
“It is so refreshing to see college students come up with potential solutions for real-life issues and problems,” said Laura Brown, Executive Director of the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services. "I am encouraged to see so many students so interested and involved in improving their world through social justice initiatives.”
In addition to the top prize, two other teams were awarded cash prizes. The second-place prize went to a team that addressed “Behind Memory Loss: Disparities in the United States Alzheimer’s Care System,” consisting of Eliam Chang (2nd year), Heeba Momen (1st year), Somaiya Monowar (2nd year), TuanKhai Nguyen (graduate student), and Raney Yang (2nd year).
The third-place team, made up entirely of first-year students—Paul Kramer, Rachel Warner, Jackson Rehm, Zach Buchanan, and Lucas Rehm—examined “Political Polarization.” These projects, along with the winning submission, highlight the diversity of perspectives and the exceptional quality of participants that the Map the System competition attracts.
Reflecting on their triumph, the winning team shared their excitement, with Xiyu Wang commenting, “Participating in the Wondry's Map the System competition has been an enlightening journey, providing me with a unique platform to delve deeper into the social issues we care about and to develop holistic and analytical thinking. The Wondry's collaborative environment, coupled with our mentor's professional guidance, has improved my research and presentation skills and encouraged me to think critically and creatively.”
As the Vanderbilt community celebrates these young trailblazers, the Map the System competition reaffirms its position as a driving force for change, inspiring students to transform their insights into meaningful and impactful solutions for a brighter future.