Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Pires, Ginaitt, Harwood and McNamara
Date Introduced : March 3, 1998
Referred To: Read and Passed
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Ballard is probably best known for his discovery of the RMS Titanic. After receiving thousands of letters from school children inquiring about it, he founded the JASON Project and the Foundation for Education to engage students in science and technology, while motivating and helping teachers in professional development; and
WHEREAS, With JASON Project Expedition IX: Oceans of Earth and Beyond, students and teachers are taken above and beyond traditional education through the use of an inquiry-based and hands-on learning method. JASON IX is a year-long project designed to focus on life within the structure of several ocean environments that will culminate with live, on-site broadcasts from Monterey Bay, California, and Bermuda March 16-27, 1998.
WHEREAS, He is also the founder and head of the Institute for Exploration (IFE) at the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. Their goal has been to establish this new field of research by using state-of-the-art mapping and imaging systems, underwater robotics, and manned submersibles; and
WHEREAS, Participating in more than 100 deep-sea expeditions, Dr. Ballard has explored the Mid-Ocean Ridge as part of the first manned mission to that area, the discovery of the warm water springs in the Galopagos Rift, the discovery of the German battleship Bismarck, Lost warships from the fleet at Guadalcanal, and the Lusitania exploration; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ballard earned his undergraduate degree in geology and chemistry from the University of California, attended graduate school at University of Southern California and the University of Hawaii, and earned his Ph.D in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Rhode Island. He is also a military graduate of the University of California with a Commission in Army Intelligence. After his Commission was transferred to the Navy, he served on active duty as an Ensign, Lt. J.G. and Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ballard is a member of Sigma Xi, Oceanography Society, Geological Society of America, Marine Technology Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union and The Bohemian Club. He holds Honorary Degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Clark University, Southeastern Massachusetts University, Long Island University, Southampton, the University of Bath, England, Lehigh University, Skidmore College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bridgewater State College, Tufts University, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Maine Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He has received many awards including:
1976 Underwater Society of America Science Award
1977 Marine Technology Society, Compass Distinguished Achievement Award
1981 American Association for the Advancement of Science Newcomb Cleveland Prize
1982 Cutty Sark Science Award and Science Digest
1985-1989 Navy Chair Award, presented by Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman
1985 University of California-Santa Barbara Distinguished Alumni Award
1986 Underwater Society of America, Northeast Region Diver of the Year Award
1986 American Society of Magazine Photographers Innovations in Photography Award
1986 Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Highest Effort Award
1987 Boston Museum of Science Washburn Award
1987 Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award
1987 Discover Magazine Scientist of the Year
1988 American Defense Preparedness Association undersea Warfare Div. David Bushnell Award
1988 National Geographic Society Centennial Award
1990 Westinghouse American Association for the Advancement of Science Award
1990 American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award
1990 Sigma Xi William Proctor Award for Scientific Achievement
1990-1991 Texas Bluebonnet Award
1990 American Geological Institute Award
1990 Computerworld Smithsonian Institution Award
1991 Harvey Mudd College Wright Prize
1992 Valley Forge Military Academy Order of Anthony Wayne Citation
1992 University of Rhode Island Alumni Association Distinguished Science Award
1992 United States Navy Robert Dexter Award for Scientific Achievement
1994 The Kilby Award
1994 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Pioneer Award
1996 The Hubbard Medal, National Geographic's Highest Honor;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby welcomes Dr. Robert D. Ballard to the Ocean State and congratulates him on his numerous accomplishments in the field of science and wishes him many more years of success; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Dr. Robert D. Ballard.
