Award Given by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, in partnership with Schmidt Futures
STEM NOLA, flagship affiliate of STEM Global Action, is excited to share that Dr. Calvin Mackie, our Founder and CEO, has been selected as one of the esteemed recipients of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, given by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, in partnership with Schmidt Futures. This award recognizes people who’ve made a big difference in promoting science education and communication.
Dr. Mackie expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being honored with this award truly reflects the passion and dedication we’ve poured into making STEM education accessible in historically underserved communities. It underscores the tremendous value of being committed to preparing our children to compete in the 21st century, and it’s a testament to the impact of our work at STEM NOLA.”
Dr. Mackie, an educator, author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, has worked tirelessly to inspire the next generation of scientists and break down the complexities of science. He’s made science engaging for a wide audience, both in classrooms and in public. He’s also been committed to promoting diversity in science and technology.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is an organization that provides independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, sparks progress and innovation, and confronts challenging issues for the benefit of society.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards celebrate those who excel in making science understandable and inspiring a love for learning. Dr. Mackie’s engaging style reaches a broad audience through his talks, programs, and publications.
Dr. Mackie’s dedication aligns perfectly with the award’s mission to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, making science accessible and exciting. The SciComm Excellence Awards note that Dr. “Mackie’s works are clear and compelling, grounded in science with a clear human element. He embraces communication across multiple mediums to elevate the voices of Black STEM professionals and advocate for more diversity and inclusion in STEM. The impact his work has on the medical profession and healthcare is invaluable, especially for low-income students in Black communities.”
United States Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. praised Dr. Mackie, saying, “Dr. Mackie’s dedication and passion exemplify the spirit of this award, and I applaud him for this well-deserved recognition. His work has truly made a positive impact on Louisiana and the nation. This achievement acknowledges Dr. Mackie’s invaluable contributions to the field of science communication and recognizes unwavering dedication to bring accessible STEM education to historically underserved communities.”
In total, 24 awards were announced across eight categories. The winners will be honored at an invitation-only event on Jan. 11 and 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C.