Latest news with #Calandrelli
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The 100th woman in space: Why did Emily Calandrelli go to space, and how her Blue Origin flight was life-changing
In a field dominated by male astronauts in bulky suits and passionless mission reports. 's rise to the edge of space is more than just a milestone. As the 100th female to venture into space, her is more than a technological achievement—it's a cultural watershed moment signaling a shift in what we define as space travel, who is included in it, and why it matters. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With her space nickname, The Space Gal, Calandrelli is not what NASA would normally consider an astronaut—she did not spend months in training for a long orbital flight. But as a science communicator, engineer, and , she is at the very center of humanity's future in space. Her recent trip on Blue Origin's NS-28 rocket was not to collect data or fix satellites—it was for visibility, symbolism, and storytelling. And she had a persuasive one. She carried with her a flash drive containing some 10,000 dreams from her fans—students, young professionals, dreamers—those who, in her journey, saw reflected to them what they too might hope to become. In an era increasingly shaped by private space travel and commercially sponsored astronaut expeditions, her trip portrayed accessibility. Space is no longer the prerogative of privileged astronauts alone—it's being taken over as a canvas for citizen science, shared dreams, and social transformation. What also stands out is how Calandrelli's identity—a woman, mother, communicator, and public figure—broke through outdated stereotypes. Her critics tried to reduce her flight to a publicity stunt. But in responding to online backlash with grace and resolve, she highlighted an often-ignored aspect of modern exploration: representation is revolutionary. That's not about pitting her flight against orbital legends like Valentina Tereshkova or Sally Ride. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's about an understanding that the democratization of space travel means new narratives, representative icons, and new ways to inspire generations to come. Her flight reminded everyone that inspiration isn't measured by the amount of flight time—it's measured by who dares to dream because of you. As the space business expands, names such as Emily Calandrelli indicate that the space narrative is widening. It's not just a matter of where we're headed but of whom gets to go, why they go, and what they decide to bring along. Her performative gesture reminds us that representation is not merely valuable for visibility but also for legitimacy. For each girl who can imagine herself in a space helmet, for each budding scientist whose spirit is bolstered by her story, this flight matters. With an open, commercial space industry on the horizon, it's stories like these that will determine the next few decades, not just with rockets, but with applicability.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The 100th woman in space: Emily Calandrelli talks about her Blue Origin flight and inspiring the next generation
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. For Emily Calandrelli, known to many as "The Space Gal," the dream of spaceflight began over 20 years ago. Last year, that dream became a reality. As the 100th woman to travel to space, Calandrelli isn't just celebrating personal achievement — she's using her journey to inspire others, uplift underrepresented communities and push the boundaries of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) accessibility. "Going to space had been something that I had hoped to do … ever since I started studying aerospace engineering," Calandrelli told Flying on Blue Origin's NS-28 suborbital flight "was everything I hoped it would be — and so much more." NS-28, which launched on Nov. 22, 2024, also served as a platform to spotlight issues close to Calandrelli's heart, particularly those affecting her home state of West Virginia. A flash drive she carried into space became a powerful symbol: a zero-gravity indicator filled with nearly 10,000 dreams submitted by followers across the country. With an optional donation for each submission, Calandrelli turned her flight into a fundraiser, carrying people's wishes to the stars while raising over $30,000 for West Virginia's foster care system. " I recognize that going into space is something that is an incredibly privileged thing to do," Calandrelli said, noting that fewer than 700 people have flown to the final frontier. "I always told myself that if I were to have that chance, I would try to use it to uplift others. In West Virginia, kids are entering the foster system at four times the rate of any other state — it's a system that is really pressed for resources, and so I thought, 'How can I help raise money for that?'" Calandrelli adopted the handle "@TheSpaceGal" on social media years before going to space. With her NS-28 flight, she noted, she finally lived up to her nickname. Even more rewarding was becoming the 100th woman in space, which is something she embraces with deep gratitude. "For me, that number was really meaningful. I had a personal goal of trying to be in the first 100 … but to actually be the 100th felt like a bookend to a milestone that was hard fought and hard won — particularly by the women who came before me when it wasn't as popular or accepted," she said. "I feel a lot of gratitude because it was certainly a lot easier for me to achieve this dream than the women who were much earlier in the count." Calandrelli points to commercial spaceflight as a key driver in increasing diversity within the industry, specifically the representation of women and minorities in space exploration. After all, she noted, about 65 of the first 100 women who have flown in space have done so within the last five years, as private spaceflight has really started to ramp up. "I'm hopeful that numbers 101 through 1,000 will come about 10 to 20 times faster," she said. But spaceflight is just one aspect of Calandrelli's broader mission: making science more accessible and exciting to young people and families, especially those without a STEM background. After her Netflix show "Emily's Wonder Lab" came to an end, she launched "Emily's Science Lab" on YouTube, where she continues to share experiments and educational content, making science feel fun and easy for families. "'Emily's Wonder Lab' was my most successful and visible project — it really helped launch my career in children's education. After that got canceled, I really had to take control of my career, because I didn't want to rely on Netflix to continue having the impact that that show was having," she said. "So … I created my own show. Launching that, taking care of that, fostering that community on YouTube has been my biggest pet project right now." With more than four million followers across social media platforms and projects in books, television and even a potential documentary about NS-28, Calandrelli is uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation of scientists. "My goal is to be your scientific BFF. I'm trying to build the tools necessary for families to easily instill science confidence in their kids," Calandrelli said. "I grew up in a family that wasn't in STEM, so I know how intimidating it can be." With the world becoming more scientifically and technologically advanced, Calandrelli believes building "science confidence" in kids is one of the most valuable gifts parents can give. Her advice for parents and educators is to start with relatable role models and simple, hands-on experiments. Related stories: — Blue Origin crew, including history's 100th woman to fly to space, lands safely (video) — 100th woman in space, Emily Calandrelli, stands up to 'small men' on the internet: 'I should have expected this.' — Pioneering women in space: A gallery of astronaut firsts "I always recommend at-home science experiments … with accessible materials like Arm & Hammer baking soda, vinegar and food coloring — stuff you probably already have in your kitchen," she said. "It's a tangible, tactile way for kids to feel like they are a scientist, [and] it helps them see themselves in these roles and careers as they get older." It's also important to approach science from all angles, Calandrelli. Kids learn in different ways, she explained, so a combination of educational videos, books and hands-on experiments can help parents identify what resonates best with their child and use that to make them feel confident in STEM. With her distinct blend of scientific expertise, educational passion, and now, astronaut experience, Calandrelli continues to redefine what it means to be a space explorer — not just someone who leaves Earth, but someone who brings others along for the journey.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local wild turkey caller gobbles up national recognition
YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) — Niagara County resident Ernie Calandrelli is getting attention for sounding like a turkey. He has been turkey calling since the '70s and now his hunting skills are gaining him national recognition. 'It makes me feel good and it makes me feel like I did what I was supposed to do,' he said. Calandrelli was recently inducted in the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand Calling Championship Hall of Fame. 'It just set me over the top right there,' Calandrelli said. 'Just blew my mind they would consider me for that and that was pretty incredible.' Calandrelli knows a dozen different ways to call wild turkeys. He teaches his skills at the Three F Conservation Society in Youngstown and all across the country. 'Educating kids and new hunters safety-wise and also the different aspects of turkey hunting — what's good, what's bad, what you should do, what you shouldn't do,' he said. Calandrelli and other wild turkey hunters are getting ready for the start of the wild turkey hunting season on Thursday. Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Teachers Ascend Program: Drop into W.Va., stay a while -- teach a while
Mar. 27—For years, the mantra of attracting people to the Mountain State for work went along the following lines. It's a script, as it turns out, hasn't really changed much — even over years of stereotypes, stagnant economy, and other particulars of perception. Just come here. Pay us a visit. Check us out. Once you actually meet us, you'll love us (trust us). In Monongalia County Schools these days, all of the above is currently playing out this school year. Multiplied by five. During its regular meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, the district formally introduced a quintet of teachers who have decided to live in the Mountain State and work in Mon's school district. Say hello to Andrew Calandrelli, Andrea Mulligan, Nicole Radick, Maria Vito and Jessica Willis. The five are participants in "Teachers Ascend into West Virginia, " a program created in 2022 by WVU, the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the West Virginia Department of Education as a way to answer teacher shortages across the state. Across the Mountain State's 55 public school districts that year, there were 1, 200 job openings in classrooms — that weren't filled. When it came time for the pilot program, the collaborative's executive director Donna Hoylman Peduto, who grew up in neighboring Marion County and began her career in education as a teacher and reading specialist in her native Fairmont, knew right where to look, she said. That would be north-central West Virginia, she said. With one county and one district, in particular, she said. "This is a program that was taking a chance, " she told the BOE. "Mon County is the home of innovation. Whenever there's something innovative, a little risk-taking, always go to Mon County first." The program offers a $6, 000 stipend and additional support of up to $4, 050 in additional tuition opportunities through WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences, the university reported earlier. There's also a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, Peduto said, and the program will even line up summer employment to help beginning teachers with young families to support. Peduto appreciates the geography encompassed by the program so far, she added. Calandrelli, who is on the math faculty at Morgantown High School, moved from St. Louis for his position. Mulligan hails from Ebensburg, Pa., and landed at South Middle, to teach music. Radick got to her fifth-grade classroom at Skyview Elementary by way of Richmond, Va. Vito motored down Interstate 79 from Bentleyville, Pa., to Morgantown for her physical education teaching appointment at North Elementary. Willis left a teaching job in the Pittsburgh area to join the special education faculty at Cheat Lake Elementary. There's also the boomerang, ex-pat factor. Calandrelli and Radick are WVU graduates. Eddie Campbell Jr., the Mon Schools superintendent, knows all about that. Campbell, who came back to his native West Virginia after teaching and serving in administrative posts in northern Virginia, Alaska and China, gave the five As for initiative and advancement. "You've chosen a wonderful district and a wonderful state to teach in, and we'll work real hard to make sure you stay here, " he said. Mulligan, the South Middle music teacher, quickly picked up on West Virginia's welcoming song, she told board members. Her kids were grown and out of the house, she said. Her husband had a job opportunity, and they moved here not really knowing anyone, she said. "Everything was new, " she said. "My school has been very welcoming, and it has been a wonderful way to get to know the people."
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
West Virginia woman shares full video of trip to space: How to watch
Video shows a 12 News interview with Emily Calandrelli after her space flight in November 2024. (WBOY) — The Morgantown, West Virginia native who became the 100th woman to go to space back in November has shared the never-before-seen video of her space flight. Emily Calandrelli, a West Virginia University and MIT educated engineer known for her education shows like 'Xploration Outer Space' and 'Emily's Wonder Lab,' released the video on Thursday, sharing everything that happened on her flight from Blue Origin's West Texas spaceport. The 16-minute video, which can be watched on Calandrelli's YouTube page, includes details from her astronaut training, some of the unique things she did the make the flight special for herself, women, kids and West Virginia, and her full reaction of experiencing weightlessness and seeing Earth from space. A clip of her reaction posted back in November was removed after she watched 'hoards of men sexualize' and 'belittle' her on the internet. Calandrelli promised at that time that she would share the full video in the future. Stories from three West Virginians who went to space Calandrelli paid homage to her home state of West Virginia on the flight in several ways. A fundraiser where Calandrelli took a flash drive carrying near 10,000 hopes and dreams of West Virginia children with her to space raised more than $30,000 for West Virginia foster youth. And she said in the video that one of the most special things she was able to take to space with her was her father's West Virginia University college ring. Ben Calandrelli grew up in poverty in Morgantown, West Virginia and was the first person in his family to go to college. His tearful reaction to her asking to take his class ring to space, which is included in the video, will bring a tear to the eye of any West Virginian with a similar experience. I think you know how much it means to me for you to be taking my college ring into space. It represents where I came from and all the hard work it took for me to be where I am today. When you board the New Shepard capsule, you won't just be carrying my ring into the stars; you'll also be carrying my dreams, my heart, and my love with you. Letter to Emily Calandrelli from her father, Ben Calandrelli, before her space flight Calandrelli encouraged teachers, families and homeschool families to watch the video and share questions from their kids in the comments of her social media post here. The full video and other space and science content for kids are available on her YouTube page here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
