Retired NASA Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps to headline Malibu Library Speaker Series Sept. 2

By The Malibu Times · Wed Aug 19 2026

Retired NASA astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps will bring stories from Earth and beyond to Malibu next month as the featured guest of the Malibu Library Speaker Series.

The City of Malibu and Los Angeles County Library will welcome Epps on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. at the Malibu Library. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.

During the evening, Epps will share the story of a career that took her from aerospace engineering and work as a CIA intelligence officer to NASA and, ultimately, the International Space Station.

Her presentation will also look toward the future of space exploration and examine how scientific innovation, human spaceflight and diverse perspectives can help drive the next generation of discoveries.

“Jeanette Epps has dedicated her career to advancing scientific discovery and inspiring future generations through exploration and perseverance,” Malibu Mayor Bruce Silverstein said. “Her remarkable achievements in space and her passion for STEM education make her an extraordinary speaker, and we are honored to welcome her to Malibu.”

Epps retired from NASA after nearly 16 years with the agency. Most recently, she served as a mission specialist aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, spending 235 days in space, including 232 days aboard the International Space Station during Expeditions 71 and 72.

While aboard the orbiting laboratory, Epps and her crewmates supported hundreds of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations, contributing to research aimed at advancing future human space exploration and expanding scientific understanding on Earth.

Epps was selected as a member of NASA’s 20th astronaut class in 2009 and went on to serve in numerous leadership and operational roles within the agency.

She served as a lead capsule communicator in NASA’s Mission Control Center, supported International Space Station expedition crews, participated in NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations and conducted geological field studies in Hawaii. She also served on the Generic Joint Operations Panel, working to improve crew operations aboard the space station.

Her path to NASA began far from the launch pad.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Epps earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Le Moyne College before receiving both her master’s degree and doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland.

During graduate school, she was selected as a NASA Fellow and authored numerous research publications. Her engineering research also resulted in a provisional patent and a U.S. patent.

Before joining NASA, Epps worked in research and engineering and later served as a CIA technical intelligence officer, giving her a professional background spanning science, engineering, national security and space exploration.

Her Sept. 2 appearance continues the Malibu Library Speaker Series’ tradition of bringing prominent authors, scientists, innovators and thought leaders to Malibu for public conversations designed to encourage curiosity and lifelong learning.

Through the series, residents and visitors have an opportunity to hear firsthand from people whose work has influenced science, culture, public service, and other fields.

Epps’ appearance is expected to provide an inside look at the determination, teamwork and technological innovation required for human spaceflight while also encouraging young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Malibu Library Speaker Series featuring Dr. Jeanette Epps will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Malibu Library. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Guests can reserve seats through the City of Malibu’s Library Speaker Series webpage.