Rockefeller University President, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, welcomed guests to Caspary Auditorium

Guest lecturer Angela Duckworth, University of Pennsylvania

Angela Duckworth discussed her research on grit and self-control

A full auditorium of guests enjoyed the lecture

Moderator Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

Panel discussion with Bruce McEwen, Angela Duckworth, and Paul Tough

Lulu Wang meeting Angela Duckworth

Marnie Imhoff, Bruce McEwen, Sarah Kelly, and Vincent Kelly

A reception followed the lecture

Alex and Jasmina Denner

John Powers, Vickie Lister, and Mary Beth Powers

Marc Tessier-Lavigne, Kathy Heinzelman, and Kris Heinzelman

Jonathan Korngold, Clifford Brokaw, and Amanda Taylor

Chris Rae and Kristy Korngold

Gabrielle Bacon and Hélène Comfort

Nearly 500 guests gathered in Caspary Auditorium for the Parents & Science Program at the Rockefeller University on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. The event featured guest speaker Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and a 2013 MacArthur fellow. She is also the founder of the nonprofit Character Lab. Through her research, Dr. Duckworth has identified two attributes—grit and self-control—that are distinct from IQ and yet powerful predictors of success and well-being. Her presentation, Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and the Science of Success, explored these attributes and how they can be encouraged. Paul Tough, a New York Times best-selling author, and Rockefeller University neuroscientist, Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D., then joined Dr. Duckworth in a compelling panel discussion, followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the audience. The evening concluded with a reception.