Emily Calandrelli to Inspire at SXSW EDU 2025: A Focus on STEM Representation

Emily Calandrelli to Keynote at SXSW EDU 2025

SXSW EDU 2025 is set to captivate attendees with its first keynote speaker, Emily Calandrelli, famously known as 'The Space Gal'. Scheduled for March 3-6, 2025, in Austin, Texas, this conference promises to engage diverse audiences in significant discussions around education and innovation.

Emily Calandrelli is a distinguished figure in the realms of science communication and education. An MIT-trained engineer, she achieved fame not only as a YouTube personality but also as a producer and host of various educational series, including Netflix's "Emily's Wonder Lab" and FOX's "Xploration Outer Space." Her keynote session, titled "Screening Bias: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in STEM on TV," will spotlight the integral need for increased representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) within entertainment media.

Greg Rosenbaum, the VP of SXSW EDU, emphasized how Calandrelli embodies the intersection of education and broader societal issues. He noted, "Emily is at the forefront of making science accessible for audiences everywhere, using her platform to advocate for true inclusivity in scientific representation."

Calandrelli's session is expected to resonate with educators, students, and industry leaders alike, sparking critical conversations on how media portrayal impacts young learners and aspiring scientists, especially women.

In addition to Calandrelli's keynote, SXSW EDU has announced several new featured sessions aimed at broadening the dialogue around modern educational challenges. These sessions include:

1. Learning from Productive Failure: Led by Manu Kapur from ETH Zurich, this session will delve into the construct of productive failure in learning and how educational systems can better accommodate mistakes to enhance learning outcomes.

2. Unleashing Student Agency: This session aims to navigate the shift from the 'Age of Achievement' to the 'Age of Agency' in education, propelled by advancements in AI. Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson will discuss innovative strategies that foster student engagement and ownership over their learning process.

3. Indigenous Learning Systems: Spearheaded by Kara Bobroff, this session will focus on revitalizing Indigenous languages and discussing educational transformations for Native youth. This critical dialogue will highlight actionable steps to enrich educational practices respecting cultural heritage.

SXSW EDU is also expanding its networking initiative with the launch of a Mentor Program, featuring over 70 one-on-one mentors and 50 roundtable discussions. This program aims to provide guidance and support for attendees looking to deepen their careers in education and related fields.

Overall, SXSW EDU 2025 is shaping up to be an enlightening gathering for anyone interested in the future of education. The inclusion of Emily Calandrelli as a keynote speaker underscores the conference's commitment to addressing major social issues through the lens of education.

For more information about SXSW EDU, including full programming details, visit sxswedu.com. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with leaders in education and explore groundbreaking ideas this March!