Robert Ballard

Pioneering oceanographer, marine geologist, and retired U.S. Navy officer Robert Ballard is widely recognized for discovering the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985. Ballard earned his MS in Geophysics from the University of Hawai?i’s Institute of Geophysics in 1966 and his PhD in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Rhode Island in 1974. His early career included service as an oceanographer in the U.S.

In 1989, Ballard founded the JASON Project, an educational initiative engaging middle school students in science and technology. His continued deep-sea work led to the discovery of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (1998), and John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 (2002). In 1999, he partnered with Mystic Aquarium to form the Institute for Exploration, focusing on deep-sea archaeology and geology.

His contributions were recognized with the James H. Shea Award (2000) and the Caird Medal (2002). In 2002, asteroid 11277 Ballard was named in his honor, a testament to his enduring scientific impact. In 2003, Ballard established the Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

He received the National Humanities Medal that same year. In 2004, he was appointed Professor of Oceanography and Director of the Institute for Archaeological Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, with roles to drive advancements in ocean exploration and inspire future generations of marine scientists.