Do you remember the first science experiment that blew your mind? Maybe when you watched a paper mâché volcano erupt with baking soda and vinegar or poured water over dry ice to see “clouds” rise? Chances are, the demonstration was conducted in a classroom by a teacher or fellow student, but the very nature of the project got you excited about science. When scientific theories are presented in an easy, engaging way, more people get on board to embrace them.
Every day, science communicators across the world make science accessible for people of all ages. Whether translating complex concepts into digestible soundbites or simply revealing new ideas, these communicators are the public faces of our industry. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by so many of these amazing individuals; now I want everyone to know who they are! Starting with this Bulletin, each month I’ll feature a different science communicator who is blazing the trail of fun.
My first spotlight is on Emily Calandrelli—otherwise known as The Space Gal.
This bubbling bucket of science joy is an MIT engineer who also happens to be an Emmy-nominated science TV host! Through her Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, Emily infuses “little scientists” with enthusiasm by conducting lively experiments such as creating indoor tornadoes and racing balloon-powered cars. You may have also seen her on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World series, where she was a correspondent.
On her Fox program Xploration Outer Space, Emily takes adults on intriguing journeys through different aspects of space by consulting with top experts and visiting space-related facilities. From space tourism to life on other planets to asteroid mining, she covers all of the other-worldly bases!
Fun fact: Long ago, I wanted to be an astronaut. I even earned a full scholarship to attend Space Camp as a kid. I soon realized that space travel wasn’t right for me (I discovered my fear of heights that week, ha), but to this day, I still love learning about it!
Emily also has a passion for science literacy—she believes that everyone can understand science topics if they’re presented in a way that makes sense to them, regardless of their education or background. Through her work, she hopes to be a voice who communicates that. She gave a TEDx talk about Making Science Nicer, and as a frequent public speaker at conferences and educational institutions, she emphasizes the compassion that’s necessary to be an effective Science Communicator.
As the author of the popular Ada Lace chapter book series, she’s also inspiring young learners to develop an affinity for science. The books are about a third grade girl with a love of science and tech, who solves mysteries with her best friend using solutions of her own making. Through these books and various other projects, Emily hopes to encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM. She also maintains a page on her website that lists various STEM resources.
Personally, I’m grateful to Emily for supporting me earlier in my career. Though we’ve never met in person, she allowed me to do an Instagram takeover of her official account, @thespacegal, back in the summer of 2020.
I had so much fun interacting and sharing stories with her followers throughout the day—including the one about how a former young student of mine (I used to be a Prekindergarten teacher) tried to “eat me” because she thought I was made of chocolate since I’m brown! I turned that instance into a “teachable moment” and explained how Melanin is an umbrella term that applies to the pigments that give organisms the natural colors of our skin and Eumelanin is specifically responsible for making black pigments in the body. Molecular biology, FTW!
Emily sharing her audience with me was a generous show of camaraderie and a kind way to further build our Science Communication community. Hopefully before too long I’ll be able to meet her and thank her in person!
Until then, I’ll continue to devour all of Emily’s TV shows, talks and updates! Join me and keep up with her adventures on Facebook and Instagram, or visit her website at thespacegal.com.
I’m curious about which Science Communicators inspire you? Tell me about them in the comments section.