Dr. Robert D. Ballard has long been associated with the National Geographic Society and is best known for his discovery of the legendary Titanic and underwater explorations of the Bismarck, Lusitania, and Britannic. He is also one of the world's foremost oceanographers and has for many years used submersibles to explore the hidden features of the deep ocean. His 1997 bestselling book, Lost Liners, told the story of the great transatlantic liners through memorable wrecks he has visited. Robert Ballard has also hosted National Geographic Television's Explorer program and acted as a special adviser on Stephan Spielberg's futuristic Sea Quest television show. Each year, Dr. Ballard takes thousands of schoolchildren on an interactive expedition through the innovative JASON program. He is also the president of the Sea Research Foundation's Institute for Exploration in Mystic, Connecticut.