SEATTLE, Aug. 28, 2026—Women in STEM and Importance of Diversity is the theme of the Museum’s Sept. 11 fireside chat with “The Space Gal,” Emily Calandrelli, the 100th woman to fly to space, and an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host. This evening event also offers an exclusive pre-show VIP meet and greet beginning at 5:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT 8/27), with a photoline and autograph signing after the 7-8:30 p.m. Fireside Chat. 


Calandrelli is a #1 New York Times best-selling author of children’s books including Reach for the Stars, and the Ada Lace Adventures series. On video she is the host and co-executive producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix, a correspondent on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World and is the executive producer and a host of FOX's Xploration Outer Space.

 

Schedule

5:30-6:30 p.m. - VIP MEET AND GREET SOLD OUT (8/27): Exclusive VIP meet and greet that includes exclusive access to meet Calandrelli, private cash bar, and VIP seating for the Fireside Chat. A ticket to the Fireside Chat is required to purchase a VIP Reception ticket. 


7-8:30 p.m. - Fireside Chat with Q&A.


8:30-9:30 p.m. - Photoline and autograph signing with Calandrelli.


Tickets $60 General/$50 Museum Members for the Fireside Chat and autograph signing. Add-on tickets for the VIP meet and greet $20 (SOLD OUT).


The event is part of the Museum’s Beyond the Horizon speaker series that brings together voices from across aviation, aerospace and related fields to explore the ideas, innovations and human stories that shape our world.


Emily Calandrelli

Emily Calandrelli is the 100th woman to fly to space, and an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host. She’s the host and co-executive producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix, she's featured as a correspondent on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World and an Executive Producer and host of FOX's Xploration Outer Space. Emily is the author of the picture book Reach for the Stars, the science experiment book Stay Curious and Keep Exploring, and the science chapter book series, the Ada Lace Adventures. The third book in the series was launched to the International Space Station through the Story Time from Space program.

As a professional speaker, Calandrelli has spoken at venues including Google, Pixar, MIT, Texas Instruments, CERN, SXSW EDU, and dozens of K-12 schools and universities across the country. She focuses her talks on the topics of science communication, space exploration, and women in STEM. Her three TEDx talks are available on YouTube.

Calandrelli’s educational background is in engineering and policy. At West Virginia University she received bachelors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. While at WVU she was awarded the Goldwater scholarship for research and Truman scholarship for policy work. She received her Masters from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics as well as Technology and Policy.

 

Beyond the Horizon

Beyond the Horizon is a speaker series that brings together voices from across aviation, aerospace and related fields to explore the ideas, innovations and human stories that shape our world.

 

Designed for adults seeking a memorable and engaging night out, the series offers an inviting space to hear from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives—ranging from pioneering professionals and creative thinkers to bold explorers and change makers. Each speaker connects big themes of discovery, risk-taking, and imagination with personal stories that are intellectually stimulating, accessible, and deeply human, creating a lively community experience where guests can learn, connect, and be inspired.

 

Image: Emily Calandrelli, photo credit Morgan Demeter.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org