The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is pleased to present a new program that features extraordinary and renowned scientists who will shed light on innovative and exciting research in the sciences. This season's Spotlight on Science will focus on artificial intelligence and the latest scientific research.

Irene Chen PhD.

Professor - Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 7:00pm

Doors open at 6:30pm

Register for free: https://nbplf.foundation/programs/spotlight-on-science/

The origin of life is a captivating scientific mystery that has intrigued researchers for centuries. It refers to the process by which life began on Earth, transitioning from simple organic molecules to complex living organisms. Dr. Chen will provide insight into how life may have originated; its processes as well as the latest findings from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft which was packed with life’s building blocks.

Dr. Chen is a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in chemistry and an M.D.-Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard. She has received the Searle Scholar award, NIH New Innovator award, and the David White award for outstanding contribution in astrobiology. She has been a Simons Investigator for the Collaboration on the Origin of Life since 2013.

QUESTIONS

Contact programs@nbplf.foundation or 949-717-3892

The upcoming construction of Witte Hall will temporarily disrupt parking in the main lot of the Central Library with limited spaces available. There are additional parking located in the Civic Center parking structure.