Calvin Mackie, PhD
Dr. Calvin Mackie is the founder and chief executive officer of STEM NOLA, the premiere STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program that designs and delivers activities, programs and events to K-12 students, families and communities. Dr. Mackie is a dedicated advocate for STEM education and works tirelessly to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators and entrepreneurs across America, engage with them and expose them to quality learning experiences that prepare them for exciting career opportunities in STEM-related fields.
Since December 2013, STEM NOLA has engaged more than 250,000 mostly under-served and underrepresented K-12 New Orleans students in hands-on STEM project based activities. Over 80% of participants receive free or reduce lunch vouchers and thus free admission, and 45% have been females. During the summer of 2023, STEM NOLA executed 55 weeks of camps across Louisiana and Gulf Coast engaging 3326 K-12 students and 80 college interns, including a Tech thread that included 3D printing, A.I. and Data Science camps. STEM NOLA has expanded its model to other cities launching STEM Baton Rouge, STEM Grambling, STEM Illinois, STEM South Carolina and STEM Mobile (AL). STEM NOLA is currently in a fundraising phase with the goal to build a 30,000 sq ft, $15 million, STEM Innovation and Workforce Development Center in New Orleans.
Dr. Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, educator, internationally renowned speaker, and a successful entrepreneur. He has presented to numerous civic and educational institutions, government entities, professional association, and businesses of every size and industrial focus. Through his travels and online mentoring presence, Dr. Mackie reaches millions of students and professionals annually.
Dr. Mackie completed his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Morehouse College in 1990, graduating Magna Cum Laude and a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. He was simultaneously awarded a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), where he subsequently earned his master’s degree and Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering in 1996.
While pursuing his doctorate degree, he 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. He enjoyed a respected academic career, before refocusing his career on entrepreneurship, consulting and professional speaking.
Dr. Mackie has won numerous awards including the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in a White House ceremony, the 2002 Black Engineer of the Year Award for College Level Educator, the 2002 New Orleans Data News Weekly Trailblazer Award, and the Pi Tau Sigma/ASME Excellence in Teaching Award in Mechanical Engineering for 2000 and 2002.
Always harboring a passion for engineering, Dr. Mackie was awarded a patent on a device to retrofit luggage stowbins on 737 and 757 Boeing commercial airliners. In 2014, Dr. Mackie was awarded the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of Morehouse College, A Candle in the Dark’s “Bennie” Award for his many academic, professional, and entrepreneurial achievements, as well as receiving the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) prestigious Legacy Award for his accomplishments in Leadership, Education, and Mentoring by encouraging students and/or colleagues to realize their potential and help others to achieve their best.
Dr. Mackie received the 2019 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board’s Chair (CBCF) Phoenix Award, the highest honor presented by CBCF. It recognizes individuals whose extraordinary achievements strengthen communities and improve the lives of individuals and families, nationally and globally.
Most recently Dr. Mackie was been selected as one of 24 recipients of the national 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, the award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to promoting and advancing science education and communication. He was a 2024 AARP Purpose Prize recipient and was awarded Tulane University 2025 Outstanding Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2025 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Ralph Coats Roe Medal. This prestigious engineering honor recognizes his significant contributions to improving public understanding of engineering. Just last week, Dr. Mackie was honored as a 2026 Louisiana Legend by Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, which honors the best and brightest of Louisiana’s sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in a variety of disciplines and have brought honor to the state.
A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie is dedicated to community service and has been an active community leader for many years. He is a member of the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (LA-STEM) Advisory Council. The council coordinates and oversees STEM education programs, to increase student interest and achievement in the fields of STEM; to ensure the alignment of education and workforce needs; and to increase the number of women who graduate from a postsecondary institution with a STEM degree or credential. He is a former member of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and the Louisiana Council on the Social Status of Black Boys and Black Men. Dr. Mackie is also an active member of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans.
His inspirational memoir “A View from the Roof: Lessons for Life and Business” has been adopted as educational course material by numerous secondary and college teachers throughout the country. His latest book “Grandma’s Hands: Cherished Moments of Faith and Wisdom” was published in 2012 and received a silver medal in the prestigious Living Now Book Awards. Dr. Mackie is a regular contributor to Forbes.com writing about public engagement in STEM.
Dr. Mackie is a devoted husband to his wife, Tracy, and father to his two sons, Myles Ahmad and Mason Amir.
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4910 Drexel Drive
New Orleans, LA 70125
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Mon – Fri : 9:30am - 5pm
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STEM NOLA (501c3 organization) is committed to serving all children of the community regardless of socioeconomic status.
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