Robert Ballard | National Geographic2005 Distinguished Explorer Announced

Nearly 20 years ago, Dr. Robert D. Ballard ushered in a new era of exploration by reaching into the depths of the ocean with innovative technologies and finding the wreck of the Titanic.

This sensational discovery fueled a string of notable finds–from the Bismarck to underwater World War II graveyards in the Pacific to John F. Kennedy’s PT-109– and it propelled Ballard into the role of celebrity scientist.

Six decades earlier, Roy Chapman Andrews gained comparable fame for a series of paleontological finds–including the first complete nests of dinosaur eggs–that he recovered from the unknown reaches of Mongolia. Andrews was well-decorated for his successes, earning, among other awards, a coveted Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society. That same honor, among many others, would be bestowed generations later on Ballard, as well. 

Distinguished Explorer Award Presentation

  • Friday, February 25,  2005
  • 4:30 p.m.
  • Eaton Chapel, Beloit College
  • FREE!  (bring the kids!)

Robert Ballard’s Presentation about his career in undersea exploration

The program is free and open to the public.

School Program:

10:30 a.m.
Beloit Memorial High School

Robert Ballard will discuss his work with area high and middle school students in an assembly at Beloit Memorial High School.

His presentation will be about his career in undersea exploration

Roy Chapman Andrews Society School Program

“Imagine being able to go where no one has gone before on planet earth and make amazing discoveries.”

More about Robert Ballard

Robert Ballard | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Belfast Stakeholders

Dr. Ballard is an Explorer-in-Residence for the National Geographic Society and a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

Ballard is also the founder of the JASON Project.  JASON was established in 1989 after Ballard received thousands of letters from school children wanting to know how he discovered the RMS Titanic.

Nautilus Live Website | Robert Ballard