Friends and colleagues gathered in the East wing conference room on Thursday, Nov. 21 to celebrate Alan Fischer’s more than 14 years as the Planetary Science Institute’s Public Information Officer and surprise him with a chocolate fountain.
Fischer has written hundreds of press releases, thousands of weekly cover stories and connected journalists with PSI experts to share exciting research with the public and advance science literacy. He has grown and overseen the media team, captured images of countless events and wrangled content to complete over a decade’s-worth of annual reports.
He has also jokingly asked PSI to indulge him in a chocolate fountain for at least 10 years. His wish finally came true at his celebration. Attendees enjoyed pizza and dipped an assortment of fruit, Oreos, Rice Krispy Treats, pretzels and Red Vines in three tiers of flowing chocolate.

“Alan brought his deep experience as a news reporter with national connections to main stream media, and built up the PSI public information department essentially from scratch,” said PSI CEO Mark Sykes. “We are all deeply grateful for his clear communication of the accomplishments of our scientists and educators and extending global awareness of what we do as an Institute. He is also a good friend.”
In thanks of his service, Fischer also recently had an asteroid named in his honor: (14333) Alanfischer.
Fischer passes the torch to PSI’s next PIO, Mikayla Kelley, on Dec. 1, 2024 while maintaining an advisory role at the institute.
