NOAA's National Ocean Service is seeking highly motivated candidates to apply for the newly established Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, which provides support for outstanding academic scholarship. The scholarship encourages independent graduate level research in oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology, including the curation, preservation and display of maritime artifacts.

"There are so many bright young people out there, and this scholarship program offers incredible opportunity," said Acting Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scott Gudes. "Dr. Foster would have been very proud to be able to provide financial help to individuals who could work in the fields she so loved."

Authorized by congress in honor of Dr. Nancy Foster's life work and contribution to the nation, this scholarship program carries a 12 month stipend for approximately five students of $16,800 and an annual cost of education allowance of up to $12,000.

"This is such an exciting program, and such a wonderful way to honor Dr. Foster," said ocean service Acting Assistant Administrator Margaret Davidson. "Dr. Foster's tireless efforts for this country's ocean and coastal resources served as a beacon of light for younger scientists, and this scholarship will continue to light their way as they pursue such worthy studies."

Students interested in applying for the scholarship must intend to pursue or currently be pursuing masters or doctoral level degrees in oceanography, marine biology or marine archaeology. Reviewed and selected by a panel of experts, recipients will be required to adhere to a detailed plan of study with approved research.

Dr. Foster held a doctorate in marine biology and focused her doctoral research on ecology and systematics of polychaetous annelids. She served as the assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service until her death from cancer in 2000. Foster dedicated her career to the study of the environment, ecology and the overall stewardship of America's natural resources. She joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 1977.

NOAA's mission is to describe and predict changes in the earth's environment, and conserve and manage wisely the nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. NOAA, the largest part of the Department of Commerce, manages the U.S. operational weather and environmental satellites and a fleet of ships and aircraft for oceanographic, surveying, fisheries, coastal and atmospheric studies. NOAA holds responsibility for all U.S. weather and climate forecasting, monitoring and archiving of ocean and atmospheric data, management of marine fisheries and mammals, mapping and charting of all U.S. waters, coastal zone management and research, and development of all of these areas. With employees in every U.S. state, at sea, and at many overseas locations, NOAA employs over 12,500 people with a FY 2001 budget of $3.2 billion.

NOAA's National Ocean Service administers the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program and is soliciting applications from March 26 - April 22 for fall 2001. Application packages must be postmarked by April 22, 2001 to be eligible for consideration.

For additional information and application guidelines, access the Nancy Foster Scholarship Web site at: http://fosterscholars.noaa.gov.