#fosterscholar

Some Like It Hot: Foster Scholar Elise Keister Investigates Why Some Coral Reefs Can’t Withstand Warmer Ocean Temperatures While Others Can

Like people, different coral reefs can have dramatically different tolerances to warmer ocean temperatures. In Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, researchers have noticed that when ocean temperature rises—even by 1 or 2 degrees—some reefs struggle while others are resilient. Why are certain reefs in the same region doing better than others?

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Elise Keister studies why some reefs in the sanctuary are better at coping with warmer waters. Her studies are funded by NOAA’s Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, which provides support for master’s and doctoral degrees in sanctuary-related ocean sciences.

Twenty years ago, NOAA created the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program in honor of the late Dr. Nancy Foster. This scholarship provides support for independent graduate-level studies in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology disciplines, including all science, engineering, social science, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas. 

Based on language within the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, an emphasis was put on strongly encouraging women and members of minority groups to apply for the scholarship. To date, scholarship selections have been based on academic excellence, letters of recommendation, research and career goals, and financial need.

Over the last 20 years, 79 students have been selected for this prestigious graduate scholarship. In most years, two to five scholars are awarded the scholarship. Foster Scholars receive a stipend of $30,000 per year, up to $12,000 a year for tuition costs, and are awarded up to $10,000 in funds to conduct a program collaboration with a NOAA office(s).

"The Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provided me with some of the most valuable, memorable experiences that I had in graduate school. The connections made during my scholarship propelled me into the two postdoc positions I've had with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and I'm so grateful for the opportunities afforded by the scholarship program." Dr. Tammy Silva, former Nancy Foster Scholar

In the last decade, the program continues to increase the number of women and minorities in these scientific disciplines, particularly as it relates to the mission of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Based on follow-up evaluations, 64% of former scholars work as professionals in a NOAA science-related field, and 29% work in another STEM field. The Foster Scholarship team continues to find ways to reduce barriers for students with high financial need who may otherwise not be able to pursue an advanced science degree.