Science & ReligionThe New Nexus

A defining dialogue on how an expanding scientific understanding of the universe and biology is opening new, compatible expressions of faith, drawing on historic connections found in Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Friday, July 24, 2026

4:00 – 7:00 PM

Sunset Rooftop Networking · 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Bush Conference Center · Beckman Hall 404

About the Program

A New Dialogue Between Science & Faith

For much of the past century, the prevailing assumption has been that science and religion represent opposing worldviews. Yet as scientific understanding of the universe and biology expands, a growing number of scientists see these discoveries as compatible with, and even supportive of, renewed expressions of faith. This perspective reflects historic connections between science and religion found in Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Our program brings these ideas to an audience of students, lay people, and scientists. The goal is not to force unity, but to explore the diverse ways scientists have come to embrace a religious orientation through their own experiences.

Hosted By

Chapman University, Argyros College of Business and Economics, Alexander E. Hayden School of Real Estate, Center for Demographics and Policy

Featured Speakers

Daniele Struppa

Professor; President Emeritus of Chapman University; Parker Kennedy Chair in Mathematics

Congressman Lou Correa

U.S. Representative, California’s 46th District

Michael Ibba, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Chapman University

The Program Continues

Panel Discussions

Panel 1 · Personal Journeys

Moderator

Joel Kotkin

Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures, Chapman University; Executive Director, Center for Demographics & Policy

Anthony Lemus

Professor & Director of Industry Relations, Fowler School of Engineering, Chapman University

Ashwin Rangan

Independent Director; CEO & Company Officer (ICANN, Walmart, Rockwell Int’l)

Fr. Gregory Bishay

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering; has served Coptic Orthodox churches in Egypt and the U.S.

Ponthea Zahraii

Software Engineer specializing in robotics, machine learning, and 3D perception systems

Panel 2 · Reactions and Community Conversation

Moderator

Marshall Toplansky

Research Fellow, Center for Demographics & Policy; Clinical Associate Professor of Management Science, Chapman University

Pandit Martand Sharma Ippili

Hindu Priest and Vedic Practitioner, Irvine, California

Arnold Shugarman, Ph.D.

Petroleum Chemist

Chad Pratt

Community Panelist

Fadel Lawandy

Director, Burra School of Accounting and Finance; Leatherby Chair in Entrepreneurship, Chapman University

Natalie Bishay

Software Engineer specializing in machine learning

Complete biographies for all featured speakers and panelists are available on the Speaker Biographies page.

View Speaker Biographies

Inside the Afternoon

The Program

A closer look at how the afternoon unfolds, from the welcome and keynote to two panels, audience questions, and a sunset rooftop networking hour.

4:00 – 4:30 PM

Registration and Buffet Line OpensCheck in and connect over food and refreshments.

4:30 – 4:35 PM

Welcome RemarksMichael Ibba, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Chapman University.

4:35 – 4:40 PM

Opening RemarksCongressman Lou Correa, U.S. Representative, California’s 46th District.

4:40 – 5:05 PM

KeynoteDaniele Struppa, President Emeritus, Chapman University.

5:05 – 5:50 PM

Panel 1: Personal JourneysModerator: Joel Kotkin, Executive Director, Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy.

5:50 – 6:20 PM

Panel 2: Reactions and Community ConversationA reaction panel of community members reflecting on the personal journeys presented during the first panel. Moderator: Marshall Toplansky.

6:20 – 6:55 PM

Questions from the AudienceOpen questions and dialogue with the speakers and panelists.

6:55 – 7:00 PM

Closing RemarksJoel Kotkin.

7:00 – 8:00 PM

Sunset Rooftop Networking HourContinue the conversation over coffee or tea while enjoying the sunset from Beckman Hall’s rooftop.

The Research

The Report

Inside the Findings

The Data at a Glance

A one-page visual summary of Is There a New Religious Revival? — the mobility, demographic, and intellectual shifts behind the question we explore together.