2019 Women Leaders in STEM Conference
Aerospace Engineer, 'Xploration Outer Space' TV Host/Producer Speaks at UNF
The University of North Florida's Center for the Advancement of Women in Engineering and the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction celebrated International Women's Week with the fifth annual Women Leaders in STEM Conference.
Our featured speaker was Emily Calandrelli. Ms. Caladrelli is an aerospace engineer, author, and Emmy-nominated host and executive producer of FOX's "Xploration Outer Space," which focuses on space exploration and our place in the universe as part of Fox Network's science-based television block "Xploration Station."
Well-known in the world of science education and an accomplished speaker, Calandrelli shared her perspective on women in STEM fields and discussed space exploration, scientific literacy, and equality. A Q&A session followed.
"This is an exciting time for women entering the field of engineering, and we are so pleased to have Emily visit our campus," said Dr. Alexandra Schönning, director of UNF's Center for the Advancement of Women in Engineering. "She brings a celebrity status to her role as educator, explorer, and engineer, and will inspire students who wish to pursue a career in a STEM field."
Calandrelli has also been featured as a correspondent on Netflix's show, "Bill Nye Saves the World," and writer and host of "Spotlight Space," a YouTube series from Lockheed Martin detailing their latest developments in space projects. She also was named to Adweek's "11 Celebrities and Influencers Raising the Bar for Creativity in 2017."
She's given presentations in front of companies like Google, Pixar, MIT, and Texas Instruments, as well as dozens of K-12 schools across the nation, speaking on the importance of science literacy, the benefits of space exploration, and challenges for women in STEM careers.
An accomplished writer, Calandrelli's chapter-book series was launched in August 2017. "The Ada Lace Adventures" center around an 8-year-old girl with a knack for science, math and solving mysteries with technology. The second book, "Ada Lace: Sees Red," was included in the National Science Teachers Association's list of best STEM books for 2018. The fifth book in the series, "Ada Lace: and the Suspicious Artist," was released on February 12th.
Before her work in science communication, Calandrelli attended West Virginia University, where she received two bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, and MIT, where she received two master's degrees, one in aeronautics/astronautics and the other in technology/policy.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their futures through a well-rounded education.