Emily Calandrelli: From West Virginia Roots to Space and STEM Advocacy
Emily Dawn Calandrelli, born on May 18, 1987, in Morgantown, West Virginia, is an American science communicator, engineer, author, and television presenter. Known professionally as "The Space Gal," Calandrelli has carved a unique path from her West Virginia upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in science communication and space exploration. Her journey highlights the transformative power of education, the importance of STEM literacy, and the inspiration she provides to young women and minorities pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Early Life and Education in West Virginia
Growing up, Calandrelli attended Morgantown High School and later enrolled at West Virginia University (WVU). By her own account, she did not initially consider herself an outstanding student. However, she majored in engineering primarily because of the field’s lucrative career prospects. Despite her initial motivations, she soon developed a passion for it, leading to many accolades and opportunities.
While still a student, she was named a Goldwater Scholar and was a member of USA Today’s All-USA College Academic First Team. In 2009, she was named to the USA Today all-academic team, won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, and was voted Ms. Mountaineer. She cofounded WVU’s Student Partnership for the Advancement of Cosmic Exploration, and interned at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio and at the NASA Academy in California. As a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, she worked for a summer in Washington, D.C., for Congressman Alan Mollohan. At West Virginia University she received her bachelors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Advanced Studies at MIT
Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from WVU, Calandrelli enrolled in graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She subsequently attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she obtained an M.S. in aeronautics & astronautics as well an M.S. in technology & policy in 2013. There she earned two master’s degrees, the first in aeronautics and astronautics and the second in technology and policy.
Science Communication and Television Career
After graduating from MIT, Calandrelli began hosting a syndicated children’s science show, Xploration Outer Space. The producers sought her out after seeing some of the YouTube STEM-related videos she had made at WVU. Xploration Outer Space premiered in 2014 on Fox. As host and producer, she has highlighted a number of West Virginia locales throughout the show’s run, including the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank.
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In 2017, Calandrelli joined the Netflix series Bill Nye Saves the World as a science correspondent. In 2020, she hosted her own Netflix series, Emily’s Wonder Lab. She's featured as a correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World and an Executive Producer and the host of FOX's Xploration Outer Space. She's the Host and Co-Executive Producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix.
Through her show, Calandrelli wants to prove that the space industry is more exciting today than ever before in history. As the host, Calandrelli works to explain science-related topics in an easily digestible, and entertaining, way. Increasing the level of scientific literacy among the general public is also something Calandrelli cares deeply about. She believes that everyone, despite their educational background, can understand scientific topics. Calandrelli hopes to convince more people of this and foster a higher level of scientific literacy in society through various projects and speaking engagements.
Author and Advocate for STEM Education
Calandrelli has written several children’s books about science and technology. Her chapter book series, the Ada Lace Adventures, follows a West Virginia girl who uses science, math, and technology to solve mysteries. Her first science children's book series - the Ada Lace Adventures - is now available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. She is the author of the picture book Reach for the Stars, the science experiment book Stay Curious and Keep Exploring, and the science chapter book series, the Ada Lace Adventures. The third book in the series was launched to the International Space Station through the Story Time from Space program.
Calandrelli frequently speaks at schools across the country. In 2021, she teamed with West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Department of Education to produce a program highlighting women in the state working in aviation: The Future Is You! In addition to writing, Calandrelli is a professional speaker and gives talks on the topics of space exploration, scientific literacy, and equality.
Calandrelli is wildly passionate about space exploration. Lastly, Calandrelli wants to inspire more females to pursue STEM careers. She believes most young students, especially women and minorities, don't realize how many amazing, creative, and often free opportunities exist for students who pursue STEM majors.
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Emily is also a professional speaker who has spoken at venues like Google, Pixar, MIT, Texas Instruments, CERN, and dozens of K-12 schools and Universities around the country. She focuses her talks on the topics of science communication, space exploration, and women in STEM. Her three TEDx talks are available on YouTube.
Spaceflight Aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard
In July 2024, Calandrelli announced that she would be a passenger on a New Shepard flight to space. On November 22, 2024, Calendrelli successfully launched into space as a member of Blue Origin's NS-28 mission, the company's ninth space tourism flight. In November 2024, she became the 100th woman in history to venture into space, aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard space tourism vehicle. The flight lasted approximately 10 minutes.
Advocacy and Recognition
Calandrelli is a professional speaker and presents on the topics of space exploration, scientific literacy, and gender equality in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
In 2022, Calandrelli shared her experience of being forced to check breastfeeding supplies at an airport security checkpoint, despite these supplies being permitted by TSA guidelines. She reached out to Rep.
Her awards and honors include receiving the MIT Rene H.
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She’s featured as a correspondent on Netflix´s Bill Nye Saves the World and a producer and host of FOX’s Xploration Outer Space, a weekly educational outer space show that explores everything from asteroid mining to life beyond Earth.
Connecting West Virginia to the Cosmos
When West Virginia native Emily Calandrelli, professionally known as “The Space Gal,” lights up screens across the country with her enthusiasm for science and exploration, she brings more than star power-she brings hope and pride to her home state. From her roots in Morgantown to graduating from MIT, Emily’s journey captures the essence of West Virginia grit, ingenuity, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in West Virginia, Emily often found herself gazing at the night sky, dreaming of what lay beyond. That curiosity led her to West Virginia University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. She then continued her studies at MIT, earning dual master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, as well as technology and policy.
While West Virginia has faced its share of challenges, stories like Emily’s help redefine the narrative by highlighting the transformative power of education. However, supporting the next generation requires more than just classroom learning. Access to Resources and Infrastructure: Broadband and technological infrastructure are essential for students in a world where remote learning, online research, and virtual collaboration have become the norm.
Emily Calandrelli’s rise as “The Space Gal” is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a clarion call for all West Virginians. Her journey encapsulates the dreams of countless young people in rural communities, eager for the chance to learn, innovate, and lead.
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