She did not come to play games!

Alena Maze is a wife, vlogger, and mother of seven — and now she has claimed a historic new title. She recently became the first Black person in the world to earn a Ph.D. in Survey Methodology, after successfully completing and defending her dissertation. According to reporting from Blavity (Blavity) and Because of Them We Can (BOTWC), no other Black scholar has previously been recorded holding this doctorate in the field.

“Never did I think this would lead me to being a ‘first’ in Black history. After 5–6 years of hard research, I spent the last three months shut up in my office space, focused only on two things: finishing my variance derivations and estimations,” Dr. Maze shared in her announcement.

Her Work and Why It Matters

As a survey statistician, Maze’s work focuses on the mathematics behind surveys—how to design accurate samples that truly represent entire populations, and how to build reliable estimates from those samples. Outlets such as Face2Face Africa (Face2Face Africa) and Black Enterprise (Black Enterprise) note that the field of survey methodology plays a major role in shaping public health research, social science, demographic studies, and federal policy.

Maze explained the concept with a relatable example: if researchers want information on how diabetes affects women ages 30–40, it’s unrealistic to survey every woman in that group. Instead, researchers select a sample—perhaps 2,000 women—then use rigorous mathematical processes to ensure that this smaller group reflects the diversity and characteristics of the entire population. Only then can the results be used to create meaningful estimates.

She also emphasized how crucial representation is in survey design, noting that many large-scale surveys historically skew white or underrepresent marginalized communities. “Finding enough racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity among non-White participants is a big math problem,” she explained. Her goal is to help build survey systems that more accurately capture the lives and experiences of all people, not just a portion of the population.

A Journey Marked by Perseverance

Maze’s path to completing her doctorate was anything but simple. Reporting from BOTWC and Black Enterprise describes how she balanced motherhood, content creation, and academic life—often working late into the night or early mornings while raising seven children.

Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Mathematics from Georgetown University and doctoral studies at the University of Maryland’s Joint Program in Survey Methodology (JPSM), which noted that Maze is among the world’s first Black Ph.D. holders in the discipline.

Community Celebration and Inspiration

Once Maze shared her news, thousands responded with excitement, admiration, and gratitude. Many commenters, especially Black women and older adult learners, celebrated her as proof that educational dreams can be pursued at any stage of life. Others praised her resilience during the pandemic, her ability to balance family and career, and her dedication to making history while uplifting others along the way.

One supporter called her “a superwoman,” highlighting how meaningful it is to see a mother of seven achieving at such a high academic level. Another commenter described feeling newly motivated to continue her own doctoral work after hitting obstacles during the COVID years.

Her Reflection and Faith

Despite acknowledging the immense effort her journey required, Maze credits her success to her faith. “During this time, I encountered God’s love in a way I cannot wait to share. His love has been enough for me to manifest anything I desire to do, be, or become,” she wrote.

A Milestone With Lasting Impact

Maze’s achievement is more than a personal triumph—it represents advancement for representation in science, statistics, and academia. Experts note (Black Enterprise, BOTWC) that the field of survey methodology shapes national data on health, education, economics, and social inequality. When scholars of diverse backgrounds contribute to that field, the research becomes more accurate, more inclusive, and more equitable.

Congratulations, Dr. Maze — your historic achievement is opening doors for future generations of scholars, especially young Black girls who now see new possibilities in math, statistics, and beyond.