Dr. Nancy Foster (1941-2000)

NOAA Ship NANCY FOSTER is named for Dr. Nancy Foster. Dr. Foster was born in Electra, Texas in 1941. She received her M.S. in Marine Biology from Texas Christian University and her PH.D. in Marine Biology from the George Washington University. Her doctoral research focused on the ecology and systematics of polychaetous annelids.

From December 1986 through March 1993, Dr. Foster served as Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Office of Protected Resources. Her accomplishments included the formation of the Habitat Restoration Center, the creation of a separate Office of the National Program, establishment of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office in NMFS and the establishment of the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank and Quality Assurance Program. She was a key player in developing the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Act.

Dr. Foster’s conservation accomplishments were recognized by award of the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal in 1991 for outstanding contributions in advancing NOAA’s mission through the establishment of the NOAA Restoration Center and in 1992 by two Department of Commerce Bronze Medals. In 1993, she received the highest award of the Department of Commerce-the Gold Medal-for leadership in providing stewardship of the Nation’s living marine resources while Director of the NMFS Office of Protected Species. Dr. Foster was also the recipient of two Senior Executive Service Rank Awards. In 1996 Dr. Foster was nominated for a Presidential Rank Award.

Dr. Nancy Foster was appointed the Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management in May 1997. Dr. Foster was also the Director of the National Ocean Service (NOS).

Dr. Nancy Foster died at her home in Baltimore, Maryland on June 27, 2000 after a year long battle with cancer. She will be remembered by the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program introduced by Senator Hollings and NOAA SHIP NANCY FOSTER, which will be a lasting tribute to her life’s work and passion.

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research in the fields of oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology. For more information, visit www.fosterscholars.noaa.gov/.