Senior Survey Technician-Missy Partyka, Hometown: Roseville, Minnesota

Been on NANCY FOSTER since, January 2007.

ST Partyka began her career in marine science 12 years ago with a BS in Marine Biology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. After spending time working at the Bimini Biological Field Station, she went on to complete her MS in Fisheries Ecology from University of Southern Mississippi. Before coming aboard NANCY FOSTER she worked as a research assistant at University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

Survey Technician-Melody Ovard, Hometown: Irving, TX

Been on NANCY FOSTER since, March 2008.

ST Melody earned her degree in Marine Biology at the University North Carolina – Wilmington, where she also worked as a Lab and Field Tech for the Benthic Ecology Lab. In March 2007, Melody joined NOAA as an Assistant Survey Tech aboard the THOMAS JEFFERSON and early 2008 transferred to the NANCY FOSTER. She enjoys the diversity of the missions and the travel of the NANCY FOSTER.