Dr. Calvin Mackie is an
award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor,
internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. In 2013, Dr.
Mackie founded STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization created to expose, inspire,
and engage communities in the opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM). To date, STEM NOLA has engaged over 65,000 K-12
students in hands-on project-based STEM activities. In 2021, he launched STEM
Global Action to advance K-12 Stem education across the U.S. and the world.
A lifelong resident of New Orleans,
Dr. Mackie graduated from high school with low test scores requiring him to
take special remedial classes at Morehouse College. In 1990, he graduated Magna
Cum Laude from Morehouse College with a B.S. degree, as a member of the
prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Simultaneously, he was
awarded a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he
subsequently earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996.
While pursuing a doctorate degree,
Dr. Mackie served as an instructor of mathematics at Morehouse College.
Following graduation, he joined the faculty at Tulane University, where he
pursued research related to heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy efficiency,
and renewable energy. In 2002, he was promoted to Associate Professor with
tenure. Mackie’s eleven-year academic career ended in June 2007, when Tulane
University disbanded the engineering school in response to financial hardship
induced by Hurricane Katrina. During 2004-2005 academic year, Mackie served as
a visiting professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the
University of Michigan. He enjoyed a respected academic career, before pivoting
his career towards entrepreneurship, consulting, and professional speaking.
Mackie is also the President and CEO of the Channel
ZerO Group LLC, an educational and professional development consulting company
he co-founded in 1992. He has presented to numerous civic and educational
institutions, government entities, professional association, and businesses of
every size and industrial focus.
He has won numerous awards
including 2019 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board’s Chair Phoenix
Award, which recognizes individuals whose extraordinary achievements strengthen
communities and improve the lives of individuals and families, nationally and
globally. In 2003, he was awarded the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in a White House ceremony.
Dr. Mackie’s is the author of two
award-winning books: A View from the Roof: Lessons for Life and Business and Grandma's Hands: Cherished Moments
of Faith and Wisdom.
Dr. Mackie is a devoted husband to his wife,
Tracy, and father to his two sons, Myles Ahmad and Mason Amir.