By Jenny Rapson 
As a college student in engineering classes, Emily Calandrelli says she was one of two or three women in a classroom of 50 men. Undeterred, she graduated from West Virginia University and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as Technology and Policy from MIT. Soon after, Calandrelli began taking her love for space and engineering to the public via Ted Talks, and as a correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World and an Executive Producer and host of FOX’s Xploration Outer Space. Now known as “The Space Gal,” she’s also the author of the acclaimed children’s STEM series, Ada Lace Adventures, about a little girl who loves science and technology. Her aim through all of this is to inspire more fellow females to get excited about pursuing STEM careers, and I LOVE it!
Last month, Emily Calandrelli announced on her Facebook page that she is the host of a newly-premiered Netflix series for kids called Emily’s Wonder Lab. (It’s available now!)
While that is exciting in and of itself, just this week she offered up some inspiring info about the show and how she faced rejection from science-specific TV networks because of her gender.
In a post on her page, Emily Calandrelli says, “For many years I pitched science shows to large science networks and was unsuccessful. I would receive the feedback that ‘the majority of our audience is male, so we just don’t know if they’d relate to a female host.'”
Ugh! Insert enraged eye roll here: I’m looking at you, science networks!
Don’t worry, though, it gets better! Emily then goes on to say:
“But last year, Netflix picked up our science show, Emily’s Wonder Lab. I filmed the entire thing 9-months pregnant. So there is now a female-led science show on the biggest streaming platform in the world hosted by a pregnant woman—available worldwide.
I’m just . . . so incredibly proud that my daughter will be able to watch this someday. When I was studying to become an engineer, I was one of 2 or 3 women in classrooms of 50 men. I’m hoping shows like this help change that demographic for her generation.”
Could this be any more inspiring? Replace that rolling eye with a teary one! I seriously could not love this any more.
Not only is Emily Calandrelli showing our girls a strong female scientist in a rewarding career, and teaching kids that curiosity and fun can go hand-in-hand with learning, but she’s showing them that motherhood can go hand-in-hand with your career dreams coming true. YASSSS, GIRL!
My hypothesis? Emily’s Wonder Lab is going to be a huge hit and a great companion to her other efforts to get girls jazzed about STEM careers. She’s a great example to them of going after your nerdy dreams and fighting stereotypes!
Whose kiddos are already into Emily’s show? If your kids are doing virtual learning, it could be a great addition to their school day! I am totally getting my 9-year-old started on it this weekend for some extra great educational content.
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