The application period for the 2020 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is now closed. The 2021 application period will open up in October 2020.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology—this can include, but is not limited to, ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, and resource management disciplines—and particularly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply. Scholarship selections are based on academic excellence, letters of recommendations, research and career goals and financial need.
In order to have a competitive application for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, it is recommended that you review the following bullets to assess whether or not you should apply for this scholarship.
Her Ph.D. studies will focus on passive acoustic monitoring techniques, to quantify and characterize the acoustic behavior of Hawaiian resident toothed whale species.
Her Masters research will focus on using Wedge-tailed Shearwaters as indicators of ecologically important areas and processes in the waters within and surrounding Hawaiian Islands.
Her Ph.D. studies will focus on seabird habitat use within the California Current, specifically understanding how West Coast national marine sanctuaries capture areas that are important for seabird foraging.
Dr.
Foster was a marine biologist known for her science-based conservation of coastal aquatic life. Dr. D. James
Baker, the former Administrator of NOAA, asked Dr. Foster to be the new head of National Ocean Service (NOS)
in 1997. During her short stay at the National Ocean Service, she increased the agency's strength and
stature, and positioned NOS to lead the nation in coastal stewardship. The reinvention and invigoration of
NOS, completed in 1999, was conceptualized and developed under her guidance.
The NOAA Ship Nancy Foster (R 352) commissioned May 10, 2004.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars can expect support by NOAA throughout their scholarship experience, as well as help to create a pathway to a future career. NOAA staff will mentor and foster collaborative experiences for each scholar. Through hands-on research, policy and education, the National Marine Sanctuary System provides a classroom away from universities and colleges to allow for students to experience real world science in some of the United States most special underwater treasures and to become ambassadors for NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program applicants are encouraged to document how their research activities support NOAA's mission, particularly the mission of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and the science priorities and specific needs assessment of the National Marine Sanctuary System.
