The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) proudly celebrates excellence in mathematics education through the Mary P. Dolciani Award. For 2026, we are delighted to recognize Nicole M. Joseph as this year’s award recipient.

Mary P. Dolciani Award
The Mary P. Dolciani Award honors a mathematician, statistician, or educator who has made outstanding contributions to mathematics education for students from kindergarten through the undergraduate level in the United States or Canada. At the time of selection, the recipient must be actively involved in advancing mathematics or statistics education.

About This Year’s Recipient
Dr. Nicole M. Joseph has built a 26-year career defined by influential work on how identity shapes mathematical learning, particularly at the intersections of race and gender. Her research has helped center intersectionality as an essential framework for understanding the experiences of Black girls and women in mathematics. Her book, Making Black Girls Count in Math Education: A Black Feminist Vision for Transformative Teaching, has significantly shaped teacher education, and her creation of the Measuring Inclusive Constructs of Mathematics Identity (MCMI) offers educators meaningful ways to support inclusive learning environments.

Beyond her publications, Dr. Joseph has shared her work widely through more than 100 invited talks and presentations that connect research with practice and policy. She has taught middle-grade mathematics and held roles such as Instructional Coach and Math Research Specialist, while also mentoring future scholars through the Joseph Mathematics Education 

The MAA proudly recognizes Dr. Joseph for her transformative contributions and enduring leadership in mathematics education. Her work continues to inspire educators and scholars across the field, and we celebrate the profound impact she has made and will continue to make in the years ahead.

Learn more about the award and submit a nomination. 

About MAA 
The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate our understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.