Science communicator and influencer The Space Gal, a.k.a. Emily Calandrelli, discusses using art as a tool to encourage STEAM literacy.

In this episode, Emily tells us about her aerospace journey, exploding foam and making science fun as a host on educational programs, the opportunity to go to space, and how she uses children’s books and social media to inspire and educate future aerospace generations. This one is going to be cool!

Key Takeaways:

• Emily's space journey began when she attended college to become an engineer. She pursued engineering out of necessity but quickly learned she actually loved it.
• After college, Emily got the opportunity to host Fox's Xploration Outer Space. This job jumpstarted her science communication career.
• Emily has appeared on many science TV shows, including Bill Nye Saves the World. She also had her own Netflix show, Emily's Wonder Lab.
• During the pandemic, Emily took to social media to continue her mission of promoting STEAM literacy and inspiring future aerospace generations.
• In 2010, Emily got the opportunity to fly onboard the "Vomit Comet." This parabolic flight flies along the line of a parabola up to a maximum of 31 times in a row. This creates weightlessness on board for up to 22 seconds each time, as if in space.
• Emily is excited to be a future Blue Origin passenger to space. She will be one of the first 100 women to reach sub-orbit.
• Emily has written several books, with the most popular one appearing on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level has 50 science experiments for little scientists of all ages. 

Resources:

• The Space Gal Website 
• Emily Calandrelli Wiki 
• Emily's Ted Talk