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NEW ORLEANS, LA — The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has named Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action, the 2025 recipient of the ASME Ralph Coats Roe Medal—one of the most distinguished honors in the field of engineering.
The award recognizes individuals who have made “an outstanding contribution toward a better public understanding and appreciation of the engineer’s worth to contemporary society.” Dr. Mackie will officially receive the medal and deliver a keynote address at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 18, 2025.
A Trailblazing Engineer and Educator
Under Dr. Mackie’s visionary leadership, STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action has become the nation’s premier community-based STEM education organization. Since its founding in 2013, the organization has engaged well over 200,000 K–12 students, 25,000 families, and thousands of educators across 47 states and five countries, providing hands-on learning experiences that expose, engage, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
A proud graduate of both Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Mackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Morehouse and Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech—earning his doctorate in 1996. That year, he was one of only 11 African Americans in the nation to earn a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.
Dr. Mackie’s academic journey from the Lower 7th Ward of New Orleans to the laboratories of one of the world’s leading engineering institutions reflects his lifelong determination to overcome barriers and open doors for others. His experiences as both a student and scholar deeply influenced his commitment to creating educational pathways for children who, like him, grew up in under-resourced communities but possess limitless potential.
A Life Devoted to Engineering, Equity, and Empowerment
“This honor from ASME is deeply humbling,” said Dr. Mackie. “It celebrates not just my journey, but the collective effort of our students, volunteers, partners, and educators who believe that every child—regardless of zip code—deserves the opportunity to see themselves in STEM.”
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Dr. Mackie added:
“As an engineer, this recognition holds special meaning. Engineering taught me how to solve problems, think critically, and build systems that improve lives. To be honored by ASME—a community that has shaped my career from my days as a student at Georgia Tech to my years as a professor of engineering at Tulane University—is profoundly moving. It reaffirms my belief that engineers are builders not just of bridges and machines, but of futures and communities.”
Before founding STEM NOLA, Dr. Mackie was a tenured professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tulane University, where he taught courses in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and renewable energy systems. During his tenure, he mentored countless students, emphasizing that engineering is more than a discipline—it’s a mindset of creativity, problem-solving, and service to humanity.
A Vision That Inspires the Next Generation
The Ralph Coats Roe Medal, established by ASME in 1972, is awarded annually to individuals whose work advances public awareness of engineering’s impact on society. Past honorees include pioneering educators, innovators, and advocates who, like Dr. Mackie, use engineering as a force for equity, opportunity, and progress.
Dr. Mackie’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through STEM NOLA and its national affiliate STEM Global Action, he has built a movement that transforms how communities engage with science and technology. The organization’s signature “STEM Saturdays” and large-scale “STEM Fests” bring together professionals, families, and students for immersive learning experiences that make science accessible, exciting, and relevant to everyday life.
From Yankee Stadium in New York to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles, STEM NOLA has reached audiences nationwide—often exceeding capacity as families line up for the chance to participate. These events not only ignite curiosity but also introduce young people to mentors and role models who look like them and share their stories.
In 2024 alone, STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action engaged nearly 42,000 individuals across 2,400 schools, including 41% girls and 63% from low-income households—furthering Dr. Mackie’s mission to close opportunity gaps and diversify the STEM workforce.
Building Bridges Between Academia and the Community
Dr. Mackie’s work demonstrates how the principles of engineering—innovation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving—can be applied beyond technical projects to build stronger communities. He often emphasizes that engineers are uniquely positioned to design solutions for society’s greatest challenges, from education equity to sustainable infrastructure.
“As engineers, we’re trained to think in systems,” Dr. Mackie has said in speeches. “When I looked at the challenges facing our communities—underfunded schools, lack of exposure, absence of mentors—I realized those weren’t isolated problems. They were systems problems. STEM NOLA is part of the solution: a system designed to create access, build confidence, and cultivate innovation.”
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