Hear a Neuroscientist Who Became a Best-Selling Novelist and an Oscar-Winning Movie Producer

Dr. Lisa Genova is not your typical scientist.

She is also a novelist, a speaker, and a movie producer. She has a rare talent for making complex medical topics accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, she will share her insights and stories at the Ambassador Auditorium as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California.

Recognized globally for her expertise in Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders, Dr. Genova seamlessly blends scientific insight with compelling storytelling to shed light on complex medical topics. Her distinguished career spans groundbreaking research and acclaimed literary works.

Dr. Genova has authored novels exploring Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, autism, Huntington’s disease, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with narratives that humanize medical conditions. Her novel, Still Alice, which brings Alzheimer’s disease into the spotlight with poignant authenticity, was adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Julianne Moore.

In her latest nonfiction endeavor, Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, Dr. Genova delves into the intricacies of memory, offering insights into how we remember, why we forget, and strategies for memory enhancement and protection.

Now in its 27th season, the Distinguished Speaker Series started in Pasadena in 1996 and now is held in four other locations in Southern California. It has evolved into a cornerstone of intellectual engagement, presenting over 200 global icons to eager audiences seeking thought-provoking discourse.

“We created the Series with curious, smart, open-minded people in mind,” Kathy Winterhalder, Co-Founder of The Distinguished Speaker Series, said. “We chose Pasadena as the city to launch our Series because we felt its citizens were just that. We like to think that The Distinguished Speaker Series is a testament to the power of ideas, creating a space where Pasadena residents can come together to celebrate knowledge, culture, and the joy of shared learning. We are proud that we bring the community together.” Winterhalder said the first 20 seasons of the series were at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. They moved to the Ambassador Auditorium in the fall of 2016. “The Ambassador Auditorium is a beautiful historic theater with wonderful acoustics,” she said. “The intimacy of the theater serves as a wonderful backdrop for our events which caters to subscribers desiring an immersive, conversational setting. Our Ambassador Auditorium subscribers often tell us the intimate setting makes it feel like the speaker was a guest in their own living room.” Reflecting on the future of the series, Winterhalder said the series will always be a live experience, creating a sense of shared community.

“Come with a date, family or friends and make a night of it,” she said. “There are wonderful restaurants in Old Town Pasadena and there is nothing like the stimulating conversations that take place long after the event concludes.”

On Wednesday night, attendees are expected to gain valuable insights from Dr. Genova’s extensive research and literary contributions during her speech. She is perceived to be able to bridge the gap between scientific complexity and relatable storytelling, making her a compelling figure in both academic and literary circles.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.speakersla.com/locations/pasadena.