Bob Ballard: — An Explorer's Life

Earned undergraduate degrees in chemistry and geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara .

His discovery was made possible by revolutionary "telepresence" technology—unmanned, camera-equipped robots like and Jason that allowed him to see the seafloor without being physically present in a submersible. Beyond the "Rusty Old Boat"

Well-preserved Roman and Byzantine vessels in the anoxic (oxygen-free) waters of the Black Sea. Inspiring the Next Generation Bob Ballard: An Explorer's Life

Served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Commander.

The massive German battleship, found in water 4,000 feet deeper than the Titanic. Earned undergraduate degrees in chemistry and geology from

"I am an explorer and mapmaker," Ballard says, continuing to push the boundaries of what is known about the 70% of our planet that lies underwater.

Ballard's mother famously told him it was "too bad" he found the Titanic, fearing people would forget his more important scientific work. Ballard himself often states that finding in 1977 was his greatest contribution to science. These deep-sea geysers revealed an entire ecosystem independent of sunlight, powered by chemosynthesis—a discovery that completely shifted biological theory. Other legendary discoveries include: Inspiring the Next Generation Served 30 years in the U

Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1942, Ballard’s path to the deep sea began in San Diego. His fascination with the ocean was ignited at age 12 by the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea . He grew up dreaming of being Captain Nemo, a goal he pursued through a unique combination of military service and high-level science.