MIT engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host and author Emily Calandrelli is McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering honorary doctorate recipient for fall 2023. Calandrelli will deliver a convocation address to graduating engineering and science students on November 24 at FirstOntario Concert Hall in Hamilton.
“The Space Gal” as Calandrelli is known to a significant social media following has captured the attention of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) enthusiasts across the globe. Her energetic video content makes STEM accessible to a wide audience with a focus on motivating girls and young women to pursue their engineering dreams.
I am profoundly honored to be recognized for the work I’ve done in science education. I’m grateful to McMaster University for highlighting the importance of thoughtful communication, storytelling, and representation when it comes to educating the next scientifically curious generation.
In addition to authoring children’s books like Reach for the Stars, Stay Curious and Keep Exploring and the Ada Lace Adventures series, Calandrelli is host and co-executive producer of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix, correspondent on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World, and executive producer and host of Fox’s Xploration Outer Space.
As part of Calandrelli’s visit to McMaster, she’ll be touring the Faculty of Engineering, engaging with students from aerospace clubs and teams, and wrapping the day attending a community-focused event that will bring kids and their caregivers, including alumni families, to campus for hands-on STEM activations.
“We’re thrilled to have Emily Calandrelli accept an honorary doctorate from McMaster Engineering,” says Dean Heather Sheardown. “Her dedication to teaching, leading and engaging generations of learners and leaders in STEM aligns well with our Faculty’s values and vision. I have no doubt graduating students and all those in attendance at convocation will be inspired by Emily’s positive energy.”
McMaster Engineering’s Community Outreach team is dedicated to creating meaningful and barrier-free opportunities to engage with STEM activities in hopes of inspiring children and youth to pursue it as a field of study. Programs like Go Eng Girl, the Black Outreach Stem Series (BOSS), summer camps, and more, are reaching thousands of children and youth in communities in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
As a result of outreach efforts, McMaster Engineering was proud to welcome a Bachelor of Engineering cohort that included 43 per cent women this fall. Since 2017, the number of women in incoming Bachelor of Engineering cohorts has increased by 19 per cent.
