Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1493016
REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2023 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 41 With multiple advanced degrees in aerospace science, Emily Calandrelli could have had her pick of any project in earth and space science. Instead, she has chosen to use her skills in science policy and communication to break down complex science topics, advo- cate for women in STEM fields, and bolster enthusiasm for the next generation of sci- entists through her own Netflix show and an active slate of social media accounts. Emily's platform is huge, but it's one that she whole- heartedly embraces. In this interview Emily talks about her uncon- ventional entry into science, what's ahead for space commerce, advice for industry leaders, and what she really thinks about going into space. Michelle Te: Emily, thank you for joining us today. I understand you didn't have a traditional path into science. How did you get into a STEM field? I'm from West Virginia, and I am the first per- son in my family to pursue a degree in STEM. Growing up, I didn't have anybody I knew who was a scientist or an engineer. But as a very practical high school senior, I Googled every college major and looked at each one's start- ing salary—that's how I chose to go into engi- neering. A lot of my peers in the industry have these beautiful stories of taking apart a radio when they were a kid or going to a rocket launch, but my path was different. My dad grew up in poverty and worked his way up to middle class, which is how my A Conversation With 'e Space Gal' Interview by Michelle Te and Dylan Nguyen