Science Communication Training and Retreats

View photos from our Science Communication Training and Retreats to see how this community of scholars collaborates each year.

2024 - Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary (Kent Island, MD)

The current Foster Scholars and staff enjoying a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Foster Scholars present the 'why' of their research in creative ways, such as this skit — Foster Scholars present the "why" of their research in creative ways, such as this skit

Foster Scholars make coral polyps as part of a creative lesson by a current scholar studying coral reef ecosystems.

Foster Scholars had an opportunity to visit one of our country's newest sites, Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.

Foster Scholar Keiko checks out the submerged ships offshore in Mallows Bay.

Foster Scholars learn about the 'Ghost Fleet' of World War I wooden vessels that were sunk in the Potomac River while kayaking Mallows Bay. — Foster Scholars learn about the "Ghost Fleet" of World War I wooden vessels that were sunk in the Potomac River while kayaking Mallows Bay.

Mallows Bay-Potomac River sanctuary staff share information about the submerged aquatic vegetation during the kayak trip.

Foster Scholars (from left - Yasamin, Serina, Keiko, Aspen, and Allyson) communicated the 'why' of their research at the Charles County Public Library. — Foster Scholars (from left - Yasamin, Serina, Keiko, Aspen, and Allyson) communicated the "why" of their research at the Charles County Public Library.

Foster Scholars Brijonnay and Natalie enjoy the nature hike at Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.

Foster Scholar Nury found a tiny box turtle during the nature hike at Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.

The Foster Scholar retreat included team building activities, such as making s'mores over a campfire before a rainstorm.

2023 - National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (Pago Pago, AS)

two women pose for a photo while holding luggage — Foster Scholars are greeted with lei as they arrive at the Pago Pago Airport on Tutuila Island in American Samoa.

three women sitting on orange plastic chairs — Foster Scholars Tammy, Natalie, and Brijonnay prepare for a presentation at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center.

4 women with playing cards stuck to their foreheads — Foster Scholars participate in activities that embrace frank discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

a group photo of foster scholars — All Foster Scholars that participated in the 2023 Science Communication Training and Retreat in American Samoa.

several foster scholars wearing lei — Foster Scholars are greeted with lei as they prepare to visit Aunu'u Island in American Samoa.

three women pose for a photo holding hands to their ears acting as if they are trying to hear something — These three scholars have been conducting scientific research on passive acoustic monitoring, hence their unique poses.

people tak pictures if a lush green tropical forest while on a hike — As part of the retreat, Foster Scholars participated in several sense of place activities, like this hike in the National Park of American Samoa.

a group of women sit at a table facing the camera with name tags in front of them — As part of science communication training, a mock Congressional Briefing was hosted at the Ocean Center for Foster Scholars to practice their essential talking points and learning to pivot when needed.

a woman looks at a wall that depicts various types of whales — A Foster Scholar studies the interpretive signs in the visitor center of the National Park of American Samoa before heading out on a hike.

2022 - Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (El Capitan, CA & Santa Cruz Island)

three women wearing masks holding starfish — Foster Scholars visit the REEF Touch Tanks at the University of California, Santa Barbara to better understand the local kelp forest ecosystem.

people groupedaround paper diaramas on a picnic table — Foster Scholars make artistic replications of their academic research to help refine their essential talking points for effective communication.

a woman peals stickers off a sheet to place on her diarama — Foster Scholar Jaida diligently works on her creative interpretation of her basking shark research in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Boston, Massachusetts.

a group of people holding up national marine snactuary posters — Foster Scholars gather for an evening of connection with each other and staff from NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

people walking on a dirt path — Foster Scholars enjoying their walk to the University of California Reserve field station on Santa Cruz Island as part of their retreat experience.

three women with paper starfish pinned to their clothing help eachother put their shoes on — Foster Scholars form teams to participate in an Amazing Race activity to build community and connection with each other.

Three women stand with mountains in the background. The one in the middle speaks into a make-shift fake microphone — Foster Scholars participate in a mock Press Club activity to refine their science communication skills under the pressure of answering questions related or unrelated to their research.

a group of people pose for a photo in fornt of the ocean — All Foster Scholars and staff that participated in the 2022 retreat gather for a group photo at a scenic lookout on the East end of Santa Cruz Island during sunset.

a group of women in the back of a green pick up truck — Transportation on this remote island in Channel Islands National Park includes bench seats on the back of a slow-moving truck.

2020 and 2021 Science Communication Training - Virtual

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Foster Scholars participated in training that was conducted remotely.

2019 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (Key West, FL)

a group of people pose for a photo — Foster Scholars provide PechaKucha-style presentations for DiveN2Life youth, which is a program that teaches young children scientific diving techniques, and gets them into the field exploring and conducting stewardship activities.

two women wearing earth is blue shirts pose for a photo on a dock — Foster Scholars Jessie and Alex don their new Earth is Blue rash guards before a kayaking adventure.

a woman kayaking — Foster Scholar Nury kayaks in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as part of a sense of place activity to connect to the local environment.

people pose for a photo with the sign for the dr nancy foster florida keys environmental complex — Foster Scholars pose in front of the Dr. Nancy Foster Florida Keys Environmental Complex. Before her untimely death in 2000, Dr. Foster was well respected as a personal supporter of mentoring, a champion of diversity, and an advocate of fair and equal treatment of all people in the workplace.

two women sitiing in a kayak — Foster Scholars Samara and Jessie help clean up plastic pollution and marine debris from a watershed of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as a stewardship activity during the retreat.

three women pose for a photo surrounded by scuba tanks — Foster Scholars and staff prepare for diving operations to assist the Coral Restoration Foundation with important conservation work in a coral nursery.

2018 - Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Alpena, MI)

a group of people pose for a photo next to the great lakes maritime heritage center sign — Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosted the Foster Scholars and staff for a week of science communication training and other related activities.

a group of people pose for a photo in front of a lighthouse — Foster Scholars had an opportunity to explore the surrounding area to learn more about the cultural and maritime heritage resources to gain a sense of place.

a small group of people sit in an auditorium and listen to someone speak on stage — Foster Scholars participated in an improv demonstration at a local theater in Alpena, Michigan to gain some "fast on your feet" communication skills.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (Galveston, TX)

two people pose for a photo, one of them holds up a lionfish — Scholars Nyssa and Richard show off their invasive lionfish that they are preparing for a necropsy.

a woman gets a close up look at a sea turtle being held by a man in a baseball cap — Foster Scholars visit the NOAA Fisheries Sea Turtle Facility that helps rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles.

a woman crouches next to a battle ship board game with plastic whales on it next to the usual plastic ships — Scholar Angie leans into a creative hands-on game to better understand whales and commercial vessel interactions.

people look through lenses at their phones — Staff share new Virtual Reality experiences with Foster Scholars, which help bring the place to the people.

two women hold whale tail awards — Foster Scholar Tammy and Lindsey receive the Emily Klein award for their leadership during their time as a Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar.

people stand in an aquarium — Foster Scholars visit the Moody Gardens Aquarium for a behind-the-scenes tour to better understand science communication.

4 people in red hats pointing in the same direction — Foster Scholars and staff are dressed and ready for an Amazing Race activity to build team work.

2016 - Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (Savannah, GA)

Scholars and staff prepare for a kayak trip — Scholars and staff prepare for a kayak trip around Sapelo Island where the orientation and training retreat took place in 2016.

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars embark on their kayaking adventure — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars embark on their kayaking adventure around Sapelo Island to learn more about the natural history of the area.

adventurers on their kayaks — The adventurers on their kayaks getting a sense of place in Georgia.

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars wearing napkin ears on their heads — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars enjoy a little levity while waiting for dinner at the Reynold's Mansion.

scholars dressed up for the murder mystery party — Scholars practice communication, interpersonal and organizational skills while participating in a team-building murder mystery party.

group photo on the back of a boat — Scholars and staff on their way back from the Reynold's Mansion on Sapelo Island.

two scholars posing for a photo on a boat — The friendship of current and former Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars can provide strong bonds over time.

group photo next to a sanctuary sign — Dr. Nancy Foster scholars and NOAA staff pose around a newly installed boat ramp sign to broaden awareness of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

group photo — Foster scholars have an opportunity to visit the offices of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in Savannah, Georgia to meet staff.

group photo wilaking down a set of stairs — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars head out to explore downtown Savannah, Georgia before flying home.

2015 - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (Moloka`i, HI)

photo of all the scholars — All of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars, a few alumni and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries staff at a scenic look-out at Kaulaupapa.

photo of noaa scientist and kids and scholars — A NOAA scientist and Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar communicating their research with a young audience of Hawaiian students.

photo of scholar doing a project with kids — Nancy Foster Scholar, Alexandra Avila, communicating her research to young students with hands-on visuals

photo of scholars and staff with local school children — Foster Scholars and NOAA staff interacting with school children from a Hawaiian Immersion School on Moloka`i.

photo of scholars explaining polution to school child — As part of the orientation training and retreat, Nancy Foster Scholar Michael Fox, explains his research on how nutrient pollution impacts coral reef ecosystems to a young child.

photo of scholars NOAA staff — Nancy Foster Scholars, Alexandra Avila and Tammy Silva surround NOAA staff member, Marlies Tumolo.

photo of scholars NOAA staff — Nancy Foster Scholars get familiar with an ancient Hawaiian fish pond on the island of Moloka`i in order to prepare in assisting in some research.

photo of scholars NOAA staff — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Alumna, Shannon Lyday, shares the details of what research and monitoring activities would take place in the Hawaiian fish pond.

photo of scholars NOAA staff — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars work with a local Hawaiian high school student to conduct scientific monitoring of an ancient Hawaiian fish pond on the island of Moloka`i.

photo of scholars after an ocean swim — Foster Scholars, Joshua Stewart and Michael Fox, after an ocean swim at Halawa Valley, during a rare break from the orientation and training.

photo of scholars staff playin a game — Foster scholars, NOAA staff and local students from Kualapu'u Public Conversion Charter School get to know each other better through games before diving into the science communication activities.

2014 - Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Thompson Island, MA)

photo of all the scholars — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars, alumni and staff during the 2014 orientation training and retreat on Thompson Island.

photo of scholars shovling on the beach — Foster Scholars and NOAA staff assist with a community restoration event on Thompson Island.

photo of scholars finding soft-shell clams — Foster Scholars learning about the local ecology of Thompson Island with the focus on the species of soft-shell clams.

photo of holding up algae — Foster Scholar, Nyssa Silbiger, having some fun with the local algae on Thompson Island.

photo of scholars raking the beach — Foster Scholars working with a local State Fisheries Biologist to help prepare the beach to seed it with soft-shell clams.

photo of scholars holding shovels — Foster Scholars, Tammy Silva and Sherri Eldridge, helping out with the community restoration work on Thompson Island.

photo of scholars in a classroom teaching — Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars, Caitlin Jensen and Emily Klein, practice their science communication with a local school.

photo of scholars in a classroom practicing teaching — Foster Scholar, Corinne Kane, practicing her skills of communicating the importance of her research to a classroom of junior high students.

2013 - Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Santa Cruz, CA)

Tammy Silva holding a picture of a dog — Nancy Foster Scholar, Tammy Silva, provides her interpretive talk.

Lindsay Marks and Nyssa Silbiger working on a document together — Scholars Lindsay Marks and Nyssa Silbiger participate in training on interpreting for the public.

Nancy Foster Scholars and Team posing with climbing gear ln — Nancy Foster Scholars and Team happy after making it through the team challenge and ropes course.

Sherri Eldridge crossing a rope line among the tree tops — Nancy Foster Scholar Sherri Eldridge defeats her fear of heights in the team rope course challenge.

Melinda Conners crossing a rope line among the tree tops. — Nancy Foster Scholar, Melinda Conners, tackles the ropes course with ease.

Nyssa Silbiger sitting on the porch preparing for her speed interviews — Nancy Foster Scholar, Nyssa Silbiger, prepares for her speed interviews.

Dr. Rebecca Asch sitting on the porch preparing for her speed interviews — Nancy Foster Alum, Dr. Rebecca Asch, prepares for her speed interviews.

Tammy Silva being interviewed by George Matsumoto — Nancy Foster Scholar, Tammy Silva, participates in one of her four speed interviews with George Matsumoto from MBARI.

Dr. Lauren Garske being interviewed by Jennifer Stock — Nancy Foster Alum, Dr. Lauren Garske, participates in her speed interview with Jennifer Stock of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Nancy Foster Scholars posing infront of a sea turtle exhibit — Nancy Foster Scholars having a blast while visiting the Monterey Bay Discovery Center.

Jan Vincente, Nyssa Silbiger, and Caitlin Jensen posing infront of a exhibit — Nancy Foster Scholars - Jan Vincente, Nyssa Silbiger, and Caitlin Jensen become part of the exhibit at the Monterey Bay Discovery Center.