BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Children attending Western Kentucky University’s Kids’ Science Night came for a night they won’t soon forget.
One of the most influential people in the science and engineering field stopped by to speak to these children and motivate them to stay thoughtful and keep exploring.
Emily Calandrelli, also known as “Space Gal,” is a well-known figure in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field and in science communication; she continuously travels to inspire children to pursue their dreams.
“Anytime I get to interact with kids, whether it be with my speeches or my book signings, it’s my favorite part of my job,” she shared.
Calandrelli’s statement is bold, because she has done things people only dream of doing. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University and also got two Master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). From there, she was contacted to be on a tv show.
“I certainly wasn’t trying to be a TV show host. And I was like, ‘This is an opportunity to change this career path,’” Calandrelli said.
The show, known as Emily’s Wonder Lab, is on Netflix, and is an educational TV show about kid-friendly science experiments.
“And who better than a woman who just got four degrees in science and engineering? I thought ‘This is a risk,’ but I was willing to take it because the payoff could be huge,” she said.
She was right, and has now become one of the most influential people in a male-dominated field. Calandrelli has her own book series about science, math and technology. She has also made her own YouTube channel, of which she documents the wild science-based adventures she goes on.
“I’ve flown on the vomit comet, I’ve passed out in fighter jets, and dived down into the depths of the ocean into a nuclear attack submarine,” Calandrelli shared.
She continues her tradition of motivating young children, no matter who they are or what background they may have, to never be afraid of pursuing the world of science and engineering. And of course, to stay thoughtful and keep exploring.
“Always stay curious and ask questions, but it’s also active. Keep exploring, don’t just sit there with information, do something with it, be bold, go out there, and be adventurous,” she said.