KAPNA Hosts its Annual Summer Retreat!

After the success of past two retreats, KAPNA proudly hosted its third annual in-person retreat in New England! Building on previous gatherings in Shenandoah National Park and Eastern Pennsylvania, this year’s event brought together scholars and professionals from across the country for an unforgettable three-day experience in New Hampshire.

Participants connected through a creative activity that sparked fun conversations and deeper understanding of each other’s research and interests. Attendees also shared favorite research and everyday tools and competed in an impromptu palau-making contest. Outside of indoor activities, the group enjoyed hiking, swimming in the lake, relaxing at the beach, cozy fireside chats, and lively karaoke nights. Tired legs and sunburns did not stop folks from enjoying the retreat to the fullest!

The KAPNA retreat remains more than professional development — it’s a space to build lasting connections with fellow scholars who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of academic and professional life. Whether deep into a career or freshly completing a PhD, attendees found inspiration, camaraderie, and renewal amidst gorgeous views.

“It was awesome! I’ve met a lot of great people, intelligent, creative, and yet humble and nice. When I was a kid, my favorite book was “The Mysterious Island” by Jules Verne. In that book captain Nemo’s base turns out to be under the island, and by watching the heroic efforts of the team that crashed on the island and managed to build a little civilization there Nemo gets his faith in humanity restored. Y’all are restoring my faith in my compatriots is what I’m saying”

Yelbir Kazhykarim

“Definitely a highlight of this summer for me. I have initially hesitated to sign up and attend, but once I arrived and met everyone I immediately felt very relieved, relaxed and just enjoyed every single minute there. The atmosphere was very friendly and accommodating. I didn’t know anyone before I arrived there, but after the first day it felt as if I’ve known everyone for a very long time. A big thank you to the organizers, accommodations and all of the events were super well executed, it felt like we were at a summer camp while living in a hotel. Most important for me are the wonderful people I have met, that I would probably never have met otherwise. This is definitely a must attend event at least once if you have a chance.”

Arman Amirzhan

“I had an amazing time at the KAPNA retreat. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. The retreat featured a variety of activities, from hiking to a humorous and creative research presentation contest. Everything was well-organized, making the entire experience enjoyable and memorable.”

Altynai Smagulova