Calvin Mackie

Dr. Calvin Mackie is an engineer, educator, author, and advocate for STEM education. After graduating from high school with low test scores, Mackie attended Morehouse College, where he completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He simultaneously earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he later completed a master's degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Mackie was among a small group of African Americans nationwide to earn a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering that year. His academic background laid the foundation for a career spanning engineering research, entrepreneurship, and national STEM education advocacy.

Mackie joined the faculty at Tulane University, conducting research in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. He became the first African American to receive tenure at the Tulane University School of Engineering. His academic tenure concluded when Tulane University disbanded the engineering school following Hurricane Katrina. Mackie then served as a civic leader, appointed by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco to the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which led the state's rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Mackie was featured in Spike Lee's HBO documentaries, "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts" and "If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise."

Mackie is the president and CEO of Channel ZerO Group LLC, an educational and professional development consulting company he co-founded. He has presented to civic and educational institutions, government entities, professional associations, and businesses across various industries. As an author, Mackie wrote the memoir "A View from the Roof: Lessons for Life and Business," which has been adopted as educational course material nationwide. His book "Grandma's Hands: Cherished Moments of Faith and Wisdom" received a Silver Medal in the Gift/Keepsake Category from the Living Now Book Awards.

Mackie founded STEM NOLA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities for K-12 students. The organization was inspired by his efforts to engage his own children in hands-on science learning. STEM NOLA has provided hands-on STEM experiences to more than 200,000 students across the United States, with a focus on equity and access. Nearly half of participants are female, and more than 80 percent are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Mackie also launched STEM Global Action to advance K-12 STEM education nationally and internationally. Events such as STEM Fests, held at venues including Yankee Stadium and Caesars Superdome, attract thousands of participants.

Mackie has received recognition including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, the AARP Purpose Prize, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Award. He has been appointed to the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Advisory Council and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Mackie has served as commencement speaker for Xavier University of Louisiana Graduate Programs and College of Pharmacy and received an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters. He is recognized for his work on equity, innovation, and STEM education, and continues to address audiences nationwide on the transformative power of education.