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Emily Calandrelli (American Engineer )
Emily Dawn Calandrelli is an American science communicator, engineer, author, and television presenter. She is the host of Exploration Outer Space and previously served as the host and executive producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab. Emily has achieved extraordinary academic achievements. She holds a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and another in technology and policy. Emily Calandrelli began her career communicating science to the public. Through her hosting skills, she has helped inspire young people to become interested in scientific research and the world of space. On the show Exploration Outer Space, she takes viewers on extraordinary journeys into space, covering topics such as the exploration of Mars, robots in space, astronaut training, life on other planets, and the future of private space travel.
A key aspect ofEmily Calandrelli’s success is her experience with “imposter syndrome,” which was her biggest obstacle. She talks about how her inner fears and doubts motivated her to progress.
Emily Calandrelli’s hard work and creativity have made her a well-known figure in the scientific community. She often mentors young girls and those interested in science and inspires them to take steps towards their dreams.
Emily’s achievements and the popularity of her show are a result of her hard work, love of knowledge, and her belief that science can be made more interesting and accessible.
Morgantown, West Virginia
| Thomas Dexter Jakes | |
| Urdu Name | ایملی کیلینڈریلی |
| Born | 1986 or 1987 (age 37–38) |
| Place of Birth | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma Mater |
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| Known For |
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| Spouse | Tommy Franklin |
| Children | 2 |
Early Life and Education
Emily Calandrelli was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, where she received her early education at Morgantown High School. Thereafter, Emily began her studies at West Virginia University and was awarded the Truman Scholar there. Thanks to this scholarship, she worked with her U.S. Representative Ellen Mulholland in Washington, D.C.
In 2009, Emily was named to USA Today’s All-Academic Team, and she was also the winner of the Barry H. Goldwater Scholarship. That same year, she was voted Ms. Mountaineer. After that, Emily received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering in 2010.
Emily Calandrelli received her further education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she completed her master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics. In 2013, she also received her master’s degree in technology and policy.
Awards and Achievements
In 2011, Emily Calandrelli was awarded the Renee Miller Prize in Systems Engineering. In addition, she was a Visiting Scholar at the Harvard NASA Tournament Lab, where she helped organizations use crowdsourcing to solve technical challenges. Emily Calandrelli’s education and early achievements are a testament to her deep knowledge and dedication to science and engineering, which has led her to become a prominent figure in the world of science communication and space.
Career
During college, Emily Calandrelli worked as an intern at NASA, where she designed simulations for the Phoenix Mars Lander’s soil testing experiment, researched the use of lasers to reduce harmful emissions from jet engines, and developed chemical detection sensors. Emily Calandrelli is a professional speaker and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) advocate. She speaks on a variety of platforms on topics such as space exploration, scientific literacy, and gender equality, and has given talks at TEDx. She is also a writer at TechCrunch and a mentor for the Brooke Owens Fellowship.
Science Communication Career
Calandrelli got her start in science communication in 2014 by hosting Exploration Outer Space on Fox’s educational block Exploration Station. Later, in 2017, she worked on Netflix episodes of Bill Nye Saves the World. In 2020, she debuted her educational Netflix series Wonder Lab, which she filmed while 9 months pregnant.
Emily is known online as The Space Gal and has given science presentations at Google, Pixar, MIT, Texas Instruments, and schools across the United States. In 2023 and 2024, she was invited by the White House to conduct educational science experiments at the Easter Egg Roll.
Emily has written the Adaless series of books to introduce young people to science and technology, and has also authored two books on science experiments for children.
Space Travel and Achievements
In July 2024, Emily announced that she would fly into space aboard New Shepard, and on November 22, 2024, she successfully launched into space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-28 mission. During this flight, she became the 100th woman to fly in space.
STEM Inspires
Emily believes that when young girls start to take an interest in STEM, it benefits not only them but also society as a whole. She encourages girls to get involved in STEM fields to pave the way for potential innovations. Emily Calandrelli has made countless efforts in her career to introduce a new generation to not only space exploration but also the field of science and technology, and she has become a leading figure in science communication on a global scale.
Awards
In April 2017, Emily Calandrelli was nominated for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Children/Travel or Family Viewing Program for her work on Exploration Station. The award nomination was in recognition of her remarkable achievement in engaging children and youth in science and technology.
In November 2023, Emily Calandrelli received an honorary doctorate from McMaster University’s Department of Engineering. The award was in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science, technology and education, particularly her efforts to encourage young people to pursue STEM careers.
Advocacy
Emily Calandrelli advocates for scientific literacy, the benefits of space exploration, and STEM careers, especially for girls and women, through her social media platforms and public speaking. She has supported parental leave in the aerospace industry and has been active in promoting women’s roles in the field. In 2022, Calandrelli shared her experience of being screened at airport security despite breastfeeding supplies being allowed under TSA guidelines. Following the incident, she met with Representative Katie Porter, who has introduced legislation to improve access to breast milk and breastfeeding.
Her advocacy has publicly highlighted the importance of breastfeeding facilities and supported mothers’ rights.
Personal life
Emily Calandrelli’s personal life has many interesting aspects. In January 2011, she became a licensed amateur radio operator and her call sign is KD8PKR. During her internship at NASA, she met aerospace engineer Tommy Franklin, whom she married and had two children with. Emily is a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, and graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Her academic achievements include being a Truman Scholar, a Goldwater Scholar, and a USA Today Academic All-USA First Team.
Emily holds two master’s degrees: one in aeronautics and astronautics and the other in technology and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 2011, she was awarded MIT’s Rene H. Miller Award, which is given to the student who excels in systems engineering.
Harvard and NASA Connections
Emily has worked as a visiting scholar at Harvard’s NASA Tournament Lab, which uses crowdsourced competitions to create innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing NASA researchers.
Summary
Emily Calandrelli has inspired young people, especially women, in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through her career. Her hard work and dedication have not only promoted space exploration and science education, but her advocacy against various challenges has also helped to address the difficulties faced by women. Whether it’s parental leave or airport security checkpoints, her experiences have highlighted the need for social change. Emily’s story shows that with determination, hard work, and determination, anyone can achieve success in their field and inspire others.
Career Statistics
Awards & Fellowships
| MIT Rene H | / |
| Miller Award for Systems Engineering | / |
| Barry Goldwater Scholar | / |
| Awards & Fellowships |
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Discography
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Woman Thou Art Loosed |
| 1998 | Live from the Potter’s House |
| 2001 | The Storm Is Over |
As Featured Artist
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Steve Angello – “Rejoice” |
Selected Writings
| Title | Year | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won’t Regret | 2008 | Atria Books | 978-1-4165-4728-0 |
| The Memory Quilt: A Christmas Story for Our Times | 2009 | – | – |
| Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven | 2012 | – | – |
| Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive | 2014 | Hachette Book Group | 1455554049 |
| Destiny: Step into Your Purpose | August 2015 | Hachette Book Group | 978-1-4555-5397-6 |
| Soar!: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up | 2017 | FaithWords | – |
| Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power | April 2019 | Hachette Book Group | – |
| Disruptive Thinking | May 2023 | FaithWords | 978-1546004004 |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Woman Thou Art Loosed | As himself (based on Jakes’s novel of the same name) |
| 2009 | Not Easily Broken | Allen (based on another Jakes novel) |
| 2011 | Jumping the Broom | Reverend James |
| 2010 | Munya | Reverend Brian |
| 2012 | Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day | As himself |
| 2012 | Sparkle | Producer |
| 2014 | Heaven Is for Real | Producer |
| 2014 | Winnie Mandela | Producer |
| 2016 | Miracles from Heaven | Producer |
| 2018 | Faith Under Fire | Executive Producer |
| 2021 | Seven Deadly Sins | Executive Producer |
