About Us
Inspired by our grandfather, Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first Black person in the world to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics we are committed to empowering future generations of mathematicians and sparking early STEM curiosity beginning in elementary school. MathSTEM is led by STEM professionals with expertise in space exploration, research, engineering, education, and curriculum design. Our team provides practical and advanced math instruction that builds strong problem‑solving skills and deep conceptual understanding. We empower students to engage with higher‑level mathematics early, strengthening retention, supporting excellence, and advancing equity in math education. ​Cox130 is the flagship expression of this mission; a high‑impact, community‑centered math experience held three times a year. It brings students, families, educators, and professionals together to celebrate mathematics, build confidence, and raise funds that support the development of MathSTEM’s K–6 curriculum and Mobile Classroom program.
Mission
MathSTEM’s hybrid tutoring approach aligns our math‑enrichment framework to support educators and K–6 students through storytelling, demonstrations, innovative AI‑driven presentations, one‑on‑one instruction, small‑group learning, and E‑learning. We design memorable, creative math experiences students won’t forget.
Across the Cox130 Series, Student Ambassador Program, and Math Lounge, we close learning gaps, open pathways for deeper understanding, and ensure every student receives math support that meets them exactly where they are.
Vision
We envision our year‑round programs becoming a trusted source of math‑education support across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and beyond. Supported by integrated AI systems, our approach strengthens conceptual understanding, builds long‑term mastery, and delivers mathematics through engaging, memorable, and culturally responsive methods.
THE LEGACY
MathSTEM Foundation is inspired by the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first African American in the world to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics (Cornell University, 1925). His groundbreaking achievement opened doors for generations of students and educators, and his commitment to excellence continues to shape the values behind MathSTEM.
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Dr. Cox’s passion for mathematics was carried forward through his sons and grandson, creating three generations of Cox men who valued education, discipline, and academic advancement. Their family story represents perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the belief that every child deserves access to strong math foundations.
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This legacy serves as the historical backbone of MathSTEM. While the organization is not led by the three generations themselves, their journey in mathematics inspires our mission to strengthen K–6 math education, support teachers, and encourage students to pursue STEM pathways with confidence.
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
Get to Know Us
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.
Board of Directors
Join the MathSTEM team
MathSTEM is in its startup phase building the founding team that will shape our programs, our culture, and our legacy. We are seeking committed leaders, educators, strategists, and volunteers who believe in innovation, equity, and the power of STEM to transform communities.
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Whether you want to serve on our Board, contribute as staff, or volunteer your expertise, this is your invitation to help build something new, necessary, and lasting.​
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Become a Board Member
If you’re interested in joining our team as Board Member, please complete the form by clicking the link below.
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OUR PARTNERS
MathSTEM’s journey is powered by partnership. Since our launch, support from Howard University, Indiana University, Cornell University, State Farm, Hyatt House, and other collaborators has helped us honor legacy, expand access, and strengthen math education across the DMV and beyond.
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Each partnership reflects a shared commitment to equity, innovation, and community impact.
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We’re now seeking new partners who believe in supporting teachers, parents, and students through meaningful math education. Whether you’re a sponsor, educator, tech innovator, or community leader, we invite you to join us in solving for legacy.
