Dont tell West Virginia Universitys Emily Calandrelli she cant shoot for the stars.

The triple threat from MorgantownTruman Scholar, Goldwater Scholar and now member of USA TODAY s 2009 All-USA College Academic First Teamwhos majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering, wants to work for NASA on moon and Mars missions.

And thats just for starters.

The 4.0 student eventually wants to run a NASA centerand more.

My dream is to own my very own private company that allows everyday people to enjoy the view of Earth beyond our atmosphere,Calandrelli said.

The WVU senior was one of only 20 students named to USA TODAY s 2009 All-USA College Academic First Team today. The winners, selected by a panel of judges from among hundreds of college juniors and seniors, each will receive a $2,500 cash award.

Theyre chosen based on their intellectual endeavors, community service and campus leadership, and they all boast high GPAs, campus honors and prestigious prizes.

While at WVU , Calandrelli has twice conducted microgravity research through the Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program at NASA s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

She and other undergraduate students founded Student Partnership for the Advancement of Cosmic Explorationor SPACE , a group that promotes NASA research and activities to the local community.

Calandrelli also helped form a campus chapter of Engineers without Borders , whose members use their science and engineering skills to make a difference in the world. The group built a greenhouse for a family in Queretaro, Mexico, during spring break 2008.

And this semester, shes studying at Bogazici University in Istanbul, where she recently learned shed been named a USA TODAY college all-star.

I have a feeling that when I come back to the States, it will all have been a big dream,she said.

Winning the Truman and Goldwater scholarships and being named to USA TODAY s first teamwhich recognizes the nations most gifted students in the classroom and beyondmean that Im extremely blessed to have found the opportunities that have led me to these awards,Calandrelli said.The West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, my research adviser, Dr. (John) Kuhlman, and the ASPIRE office through Lisa DeFrank-Cole have guided me through much of my undergraduate career.

Calandrelli is the first WVU student to receive all three honors.

I feel extremely lucky to have had such strong support from these mentors, my family and God,she said.When I learned about the Truman Scholarship, it was the most exciting day of my life. And now these two? It seems too incredible to be true. I have a lot to be thankful for.

The WVU student, who will graduate in May 2010, says her biggest academic challenge has been being a woman in a male-dominated field, and she encourages other young women to pursue scientific careers.

My advice to young girls who would like to become scientists is to not be intimidated,she said.Engineering and the sciences provide some of the most exciting jobs out there, and I have had some of my most exciting experiences because of my field of study. Although sometimes it can be daunting, I have learned that with enough determination, anyone can achieve anything.

Calandrellis mentors have no doubt shell reach her goals.

Emily Calandrelli brings honor to our college, our University and our state,said Gene Cilento, Glen Hiner Dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.We are confident in expecting great things from her in the future.

I cannot imagine a more deserving student to receive the USA TODAY first team award than Emily Calandrelli,said DeFrank-Cole, director of WVU s ASPIRE program, which assists talented students in applying for major scholarships.She is such a delight to interact witha wonderful personality, a keen intellect and also down to earth. She has made her WVU family very proud of herand will continue to do so for years to come.

Calandrelli said she couldnt have asked for more support from the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources has helped me accomplish my aspirations,she said.When I wanted to perform microgravity research on NASA s �€~Weightless Wonder, CEMR provided a great deal of funding to help make that happen. They have continuously supported microgravity teams year after year.

She added that faculty mentors have always believed in her and offered words of encouragement.

My professors in CEMR have gone above and beyond for me,Calandrelli said.My research professor, Dr. Kuhlman, has helped me through all my research at WVU ; my adviser Dr. (Larry) Banta has given me great advice, including encouraging me to study abroad; and the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium has provided the majority of my internships, some scholarships and guidance through my undergraduate career.

Calandrelli said her college experience wouldnt have been as rich without all the opportunities shes had at WVU including study abroad and service activities.

The best part about WVU is the number of opportunities that you are provided,she said.At this school, there is no excuse for not being involved, especially for engineering majors. Even as a freshman, there are great opportunities for you to put your �€~pre-engineeringskills to work. Because of WVU , I have been involved with cutting-edge research through the West Virginia NASA Space Grant Consortium and traveled to Mexico to help build a greenhouse through WVU Engineers Without Borders.

Calandrelli, whos never been one to shy away from a challenge, became scuba certified and overcame her fear of heights by sky diving. She also joined the WVU Flying Club and is working to obtain her pilots licenseall as an undergraduate student.

After graduating from WVU , Calandrelli wants to take acouple of years offto do public service in a country that speaks Russianpossibly through Peace Corps Ukraineand then earn both a masters degree and doctorate in astronautics engineering.

She is featured in Wednesdays (April 29) issue of USA TODAY , which is available online at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-04-29-college-all-stars_N.htm

Including Calandrelli, WVU has produced six members of USA TODAY s All-USA College Academic First Team, 25 Rhodes Scholars, 20 Truman Scholars, 32 Goldwater Scholars, two Udall Scholarship winners, two British Marshall Scholars and one Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholar.