David Mackanic '15
David Mackanic '15
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Anthro Energy
After growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, I attended Virginia Tech where I developed a passion for engineering. I enjoy working on difficult problems related to materials, energy, and the environment. I'm invested in mentorship and building communities, something I learned during my time as a resident advisor at the Honors Residential College at Virginia Tech. After attending Virginia Tech, I went to Stanford to complete my masters and Ph.D. My research focused on developing advanced polymer materials for next generation lithium ion batteries. I've always been interested in translating research technologies into valuable commercial products, and after my Ph.D. I decided to start a company to do just that. At Anthro Energy, we create batteries that are flexible, deformable, and safe to power a new generation of form-free electronics. I spend most of my free time running, biking, or skiing on some form of mountain.
How Virginia Tech equipped me for the 'real world'...
Technical communication, ME 4005 was painful, but I use the principles for report writing and presentation every day.
Best part of being a Virginia Tech alum...
Knowing about the secret, magical town of Blacksburg.
Best advice I've gotten....
Always have a mentor. Mentors have been crucial to help me navigate my career at Tech, Stanford, and at Anthro Energy.
Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition...
My favorite memory was starting the Ultrarunning club at Virginia Tech.
My hidden talent...
I can do an incredible handstand.
Top of my bucket list...
Summit Mt. Shasta and ski down.
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
The inevitability of renewable energy is going to create huge demand for new batteries and incredible opportunities for innovation.
Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student...
Make yourself interesting.There are so many amazing opportunities at Tech, don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
A cause I'm most passionate about...
I'm passionate about mentoring young scientists from all backgrounds and walks of life. Access to STEM is a privilege that everyone should have.
Last book I read...
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The last time I ventured out of my comfort zone...
Hiring someone at Anthro Energy with much more experience than me!