Robert Ballard, Ph.D.

Dr. Robert D. Ballard, a renowned ocean explorer, online Ocean Science pioneer, and URI Graduate School of Oceanography faculty member, is best known for discovering the Titanic wreck in 1985, but he is proudest of his efforts to provide the concept of Plate Tectonics during Project FAMOUS in 1975, his discovery of hydrothermal vents in 1977, and his discovery of high-temperature “Black Smokers” in 1979. With a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island, he has significantly advanced deep-sea exploration, developing submersibles and ROVs. Robert Ballard was pivotal in the online learning landscape with the launch of the JASON Project in 1989 which delivered live streaming learning into classrooms. In 2008, Ballard founded the Ocean Exploration Trust and through this effort, his innovations in telepresence technology have revolutionized oceanographic research and education. He most recently directed the Center for Ocean Exploration and has authored numerous publications.