in mathematics from Morehouse College and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech through a dual-degree program.

He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and successfully competed for federal, state and private funding.

He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi National Honor Societies, and a Lifetime Member of the National Society of Black Engineers.

[6] As a resident of pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans, Mackie has also been featured on HBO as a commentator on Spike Lee's documentary on the Katrina disaster When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts.

In November 1999, Mackie and Benjamin Hall Thomas received a patent (#US5988565A) on a device to retrofit luggage stow bins on 737 and 757 Boeing commercial airliners.