101 scientists, staff, board members, alumni and affiliates met Aug. 13-17 at the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson for the Planetary Science Institute’s annual retreat.
The gathering is intended to promote collaboration and camaraderie, said PSI CEO and Director Mark Sykes, but this year the retreat was extended by a day to accommodate presentations, Q&As and casual conversation with the final four CEO candidates. The PSI board will weigh feedback from scientists and staff and present their selection of the next CEO in the fall, who will take office at the end of 2025.
Other sessions included updates from senior staff; scientific talks about ocean worlds, astrobiology and open-source software; human resource talks about successful awareness conversations and ergonomics; communications and outreach talks; as well as new hire presentations and lightning talks on a range of topics.
Evening activities included a reception, a soiree, scotch tasting, a cowboy-themed night and a banquet, in which families were also invited to attend.
Some of the retreat attendees gathered for a group photo. Credit: Gil Esquerdo.
Senior Research Associate Amy Steele giving her new hire presentation. Credit: Alan Fischer.
Mark Sykes presenting former CFO Bruce Barnett with a vase to commemorate 19 years of outstanding service to PSI. Credit: Alan Fischer.
30 people attended Mark Sykes’ PSI scotch tasting event on Wednesday night. The theme this year was "Into the Heart of Darkness" and featured Glenfiddich 15 – a gateway scotch, Glenmorangie – The Nectar D'Or, Ledaig 10, Ardbeg Spectacular, and Bruichladdich Octomore. Credit: Tom Prettyman.
