Emily Calandrelli — known to millions as the "Space Gal" — is one of America's most beloved science communicators. Armed with dual MIT master's degrees and an infectious passion for making science irresistible to children, she has built a remarkable career spanning Netflix hosting, Emmy-nominated television, bestselling children's book authorship, and viral social media. Her 2020 Netflix show Emily's Wonder Lab brought hands-on science experiments into homes across America during the pandemic, making her a household name in science education.
Early Life and Education
Emily Calandrelli was born on January 5, 1989, in Morgantown, West Virginia. She earned a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University, then attended MIT, earning two separate Master of Science degrees — one in Aeronautics and Astronautics and one in Technology Policy — establishing her credentials at the highest level of American engineering education.
Career: From MIT to Netflix
After MIT, Calandrelli joined TechTV as a science correspondent before becoming host of Fox's Emmy-nominated Xploration Outer Space. In 2020, she created and hosted Emily's Wonder Lab on Netflix — a hands-on science show for children that became one of the platform's most watched educational titles during COVID-19 school closures. She is also extremely popular on YouTube and TikTok as @TheSpaceGal, sharing accessible space news and science experiments with millions of followers.
Books and Publications
Calandrelli is the author of the Ada Lace Adventures children's science fiction series (Simon & Schuster), featuring a girl protagonist who solves mysteries using science and technology. The series is widely used in US classrooms and school libraries. She has also written the STEM SQUAD series and other educational titles.
Net Worth
Emily Calandrelli's estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $2 million, from TV hosting contracts for Netflix and Fox, book royalties, YouTube revenue, speaking engagements, and brand partnerships with science and technology companies.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Emily Calandrelli
- Date of Birth: January 5, 1989
- Age (2026): 37 years old
- Birthplace: Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: WVU (BS); MIT (MS Aeronautics & Astronautics + MS Technology Policy)
- Known For: Emily's Wonder Lab (Netflix), Xploration Outer Space (Fox), Ada Lace Adventures, "The Space Gal"
- Net Worth (2026): ~$2 Million
