ABOUT
Inspired by our grandfather, Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first black person to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics in the world to empower the future generations of mathematicians and peak STEM interest starting with elementary school students.
Get to Know Us
MathSTEM was founded by Elbert Lucien Cox, Jr., a NASA engineer with over four decades of aerospace, electrical engineering, and STEM outreach experience, and co-founder Eurica M. Cox, a visionary STEM entrepreneur with a background in healthcare, and business operations. We love a cup of coffee in the morning, we love to travel, music, and a good movie.
Together, they bring technical expertise, operational excellence, and a proven legacy-driven vision for equity and success in STEM education. Together they decided to catapult MathSTEM during the 100th year centennial celebration of their grandfather Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first black person to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics in the world to empower the future generations of mathematicians and peak STEM interest starting with elementary school students.
THE LEGACY
MATHSTEM Foundation is led from three generations of men in the Cox family, who shared a passion for mathematics. Founded to help the growth and advancement of students K-6 and provide the support for teachers where it is needed. The organization continues the family's tradition of excelling in math and encouraging STEM careers.
Dr. Elbert Frank Cox • First African American in the world to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics (Cornell, 1925) • Chaired Howard University’s Math Department until 1965 • Mentored more master’s students than any professor at Howard • Inspired three generations of STEM leaders in his family • First Black member of the Euclidean Circle and American Mathematical Society
Elbert Lucien Cox Jr. NASA engineer with 40+ years in Earth Science, Applied Science, and Astrophysics • Led major aerospace projects including Landsat-7 and ISS guidance systems • Holds degrees from Morehouse (Math & Physics) and Howard (Electrical Engineering) • Lifelong STEM mentor and advocate for underrepresented communities ​ • Founded MathSTEM to institutionalize legacy-driven math mastery and outreach
Elbert Lucien Cox Sr. • Earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Howard University (circa 1954) • Completed an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering Administration from George Washington University (Ph.D. awarded in 1976) • Began his technical career at Harry Diamond Laboratories and Fairchild Hiller • Returned to Howard University to teach Electrical Engineering and Senior Design (1975–1985) • Served as Associate Dean of the Engineering School for ~15 years, then transitioned to the Vice Presidents’ office until retirement in 1988
FOUNDERS
Elbert Lucien Cox Jr., Founder & Executive Director:
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As the grandson of Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first black person in the world to earn a Ph. D. in mathematics, Lucien honors that legacy not with fanfare, but with action. Through MathSTEM, he helps build systems that elevate others—activating STEM pathways, supporting youth education, and ensuring that brilliance never goes unnoticed.
As a NASA engineer, STEM mentor, and with over four decades of STEM driven leadership, Lucien has shaped missions that explore Earth and the cosmos—while grounding his work in service to youth and community. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from Morehouse College and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Howard University, launching a career that began at NASA Goddard in 1983.
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From designing orbital trajectories for Landsat-7 to leading nano-satellite collaborations with the Air Force, Lucien’s technical contributions span Earth science, astrophysics, and mission innovation. Today, he serves as Engineering Program Executive for NASA’s SOFIA, GUSTO, and Balloon Program, managing nearly $100 million in mission development annually.
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Lucien’s legacy isn’t just written in Applied Science, Earth Science, and Astro Physics it’s embedded in mentorship, quiet leadership, and the generational brilliance he carries forward as a Founder of MathSTEM Foundation Corporation.
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Eurica M. Cox. Co-Founder & CEO:
Eurica is the operational strategist and legacy builder behind MathSTEM Foundation Corporation; with a career spanning clinical education, public health, entrepreneurship, and STEM innovation, she transforms systemic gaps into scalable solutions. Her work began in healthcare—training medical assistants, initiated her first Travel Clinic in Washington D.C. and teaching underserved populations re-enter the workforce. She later built and operated a storefront repair boutique for over 12 years; while pioneering 3D laser fabrication and co-authoring the children’s book Emily Meets the Cobbler.
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Her proven track record and operational fluency spans market analysis, workforce development, and donor ecosystem design. Eurica understands the full spectrum of math and STEM—from frontline employees to stakeholders. She is translating lived experience into executive strategy. Her recently diagnosed Adult ADHD isn’t a limitation, it’s a velocity engine, fueling rapid ideation, adaptive execution, and solution-based leadership.
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When Eurica recognized the deficits in the Department of Education and the challenges math educators face, she didn’t just critique the systems. She developed a sequenced suite of programs—Math Lounge, Beef Up (Math Learning Game), Rise & Shine, Legacy Ladder, and the Polynomial Solutions Award—each engineered to elevate math literacy, and honor pioneers and future math and STEM excellence. These initiatives are exclusive to MathSTEM and reflect MathSTEM’s commitment to equity, excellence, and generational impact. As a Founder, she looks forward to seeing students at their best in Mathematics.
OUR PARTNERS
MathSTEM’s journey is powered by partnership.
Since our launch this year, partnering with Howard University, State Farm, Hyatt House, and other collaborators have helped us with donations, honor legacy, and build bridges across math DMV Metro area and beyond educational sector, science, engineering, technology, mathematics and technology. Each partnership reflects a shared commitment to equity, innovation, and community-rooted impact.
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We proudly recognize the organizations that have stood with us during our startup phase as we sequence a movement that blends history, STEM, and hope.
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We’re actively seeking new partners who share our vision for math educational support for teachers, parents, and students. Whether you're a sponsor, educator, tech innovator, or community builder, we invite you to join us in solving for legacy.
