On November 10, the prestigious "Academic Life" forum at Tsinghua University welcomed Professor Chen Bingzhen, an esteemed academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a renowned expert in chemical process systems engineering from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. The event, which took place in the Engineering Physics Building, provided a platform for Professor Chen to share her profound academic insights and life experiences with Tsinghua students, offering a vivid portrayal of her rigorous academic attitude and significant milestones in her career. Professor Chen began her presentation by reflecting on her early life and educational journey. She described the challenging conditions of her primary school years during the Japanese occupation, which instilled in her a sense of determination and resilience. The loss of her father and the subsequent decline of her family's fortunes in her youth further fueled her ambition, making her realize that hardship could be a powerful motivator for learning and personal growth. She also reminisced about her secondary school years, marked by the jubilant atmosphere following the founding of the People's Republic of China. During this period, she developed strong learning habits and confidence, and was inspired by her peers who joined the Korean War to serve their country. A significant part of her academic foundation was laid during her eight years of study at the Mendeleyev University of Chemical Technology in Moscow, where she received world-class engineering education and gained confidence and a strong sense of purpose through her research. Upon returning to China, Professor Chen embarked on her teaching career at Tsinghua University, where she achieved her first major research success. This involved leading a team in harsh winter conditions to conduct tests and adjustments at an oil refinery in Northeast China, an experience that solidified her commitment to the petrochemical industry. In the mid-1970s, Professor Chen made a bold decision to shift her focus to the emerging field of chemical systems engineering. This move was driven by her determination to make up for the lost decade during the Cultural Revolution and to catch up with the advancements in her field abroad. She introduced her academic ideas on system energy conservation, online optimization, intelligent modeling of complex systems, and inherently safe process design. Currently, she is exploring the integration of process systems engineering with biorefining, a field that promises innovative solutions for sustainable energy and resource utilization. Professor Chen emphasized the importance of having a clear ideal and belief in guiding one’s academic and professional journey. She highlighted that without a solid foundation of ideals and beliefs, individuals might easily lose their way in the face of complex and challenging environments. She also underscored the critical role of teamwork and tolerance in achieving success in large-scale engineering projects and in personal development. According to her, the ability to work collaboratively and maintain a tolerant attitude are essential for sustained growth and innovation. During the Q&A session, students sought advice on various issues related to academic and personal development. When asked about her views on women in scientific research and how to handle the pressures of the field, Professor Chen encouraged female students to be confident and focused, warning against the pitfalls of being too distracted. The event was particularly poignant as it marked Professor Chen’s 50th anniversary of teaching at Tsinghua University. Several of her former students, who are now successful in their own careers, attended the forum to celebrate her achievements and to share their personal stories of how she influenced their lives. Some students who are currently studying or working abroad also contributed by sending video messages. Her disciples presented her with a commemorative plaque in recognition of her contributions. Following the forum, a celebration for her 50 years of teaching was held, attended by faculty members such as Professor Luo Guangsheng, the head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Secretary Zhu Bing of the department’s party committee. Professor Chen's dedication to her country and her passion for scientific research, as well as her humble and unassuming demeanor, deeply impressed the students. Her philosophy of nurturing students’ dreams without seeking credit and working diligently without boasting about achievements, embodied in the concept of “engaging in work without possession and contributing without reliance,” is expected to inspire the students in their future academic and professional endeavors. Chen Bingzhen, a professor at Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has been a leading figure in the field of chemical process systems engineering. She graduated from the Mendeleyev University of Chemical Technology in Moscow in 1959 and earned her technical science degree in 1962. Currently, she serves on the editorial board of "Computers & Chemical Engineering" and as a committee member of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC). She is also the deputy editor of the "Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering" (English edition) and has previously chaired the International Organizing Committee of the 8th Conference on Process Systems Engineering. Her contributions to the field, including the establishment of a teaching and research base and her innovative research in energy and resource optimization, have had a significant impact on industrial practices. This event, organized by the Tsinghua University Graduate Student Association in collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association and the 5th Class of Chemical Engineering Graduate Students, not only celebrated Professor Chen’s illustrious career but also provided valuable insights and inspiration for the next generation of chemical engineers and scientists.