Elbert Frank Cox: The First Black Mathematician with a PhD

埃尔伯特·弗兰克·考克斯：第一位获得数学博士学位的黑人数学家

Elbert Frank Cox (1895–1969) was a trailblazing mathematician who broke significant racial barriers in the field of mathematics. Born in Indiana, USA, Cox excelled in mathematics from a young age despite facing widespread segregation and discrimination. After earning his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, he served in World War I before continuing his studies. In 1925, he earned his PhD from Cornell University, becoming the first Black person in the world to achieve this milestone in mathematics.

埃尔伯特·弗兰克·考克斯Elbert Frank Cox（1895–1969）是一位开创性的数学家，在数学领域打破了重大的种族壁垒。考克斯出生于美国印第安纳州，从小在数学方面表现出色，尽管当时社会普遍存在隔离和歧视。他在印第安纳大学获得本科学位后，曾参加第一次世界大战，退伍后继续深造。1925年，他从康奈尔大学获得了博士学位，成为全球第一位获得数学博士学位的黑人。

Cox devoted his career to teaching and mentoring at historically Black colleges, most notably Howard University, where he served as mathematics department chair. His research focused on difference equations and polynomials, and he published work recognized internationally. Beyond his academic achievements, Cox inspired generations of students by overcoming adversity and dedicating his life to education. His legacy endures through the many mathematicians he mentored and the scholarship funds established in his name.

考克斯将他的职业生涯奉献给了历来以黑人为主的大学，尤其是在霍华德大学担任数学系主任。他主要研究差分方程与多项式，其学术成果获得国际认可。除了学术成就之外，考克斯还以坚韧不拔的精神和对教育的热情，激励了一代又一代学生。许多他指导过的学生后来也成为了数学家，而以他名字命名的奖学金基金亦延续着他的遗产。