Emily Calandrelli, 'The SpaceGal,' to speak at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Emily Calandrelli, host of Fox’s “Xploration Outer Space” and chief correspondent on “Bill Nye Saves the World,” will speak in an ongoing series of Science Talks at Purdue University.

The talk, “MIT Engineer to Science TV Host,” will take place Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at Fowler Hall in the Stewart Center.

Calandrelli, known as “the SpaceGal,” will share some of her exciting and unexpected adventures in becoming a science TV show host. She will use stories and clips from her shows to explain how she got interested in science and space exploration, and why she thinks the space industry is more exciting today than ever. She will also share with students her personal insight on finding success, happiness and adventure after college.

Calandrelli, who was named to Adweek’s “11 Celebrities and Influencers Raising the Bar for Creativity in 2017,” is a writer and speaker on the topics of space exploration, scientific literacy and equality. Her first two novels in a chapter book series, “Ada Lace, on the Case,” were released in August 2017. Calandrelli has also given two TEDx talks: “I Don’t Do Math” and “Science Exploration is the Worst.” Her goal is to inspire more girls, women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM.

Calandrelli received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from West Virginia University. She received two master’s degrees, one in aeronautics and astronautics, and the other in technology and policy, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The event is organized by the Purdue University Chapter of Society for Applied Spectroscopy in collaboration with Purdue Astronomy Club, Purdue Aero Assist, Asha for Education – Purdue Chapter, Purdue Society of Women Engineers and Imagination Station, with support from SOGA Purdue. The series aims to bring world-class science speakers from across the globe to engage discussions among students, faculty and the public on various scientific topics. Admission is free for everyone. 

Writer: Kayla Zacharias, 765-494-9318, kzachar@purdue.edu 

Source: Prasoon Diwakar, 765-494-6984, pdiwakar@purdue.edu