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SCIENCE HERO:
DR. ROBERT BALLARD
AND THE JASON PROJECT
Dr. Robert Ballard, the "Indiana Jones" of the sea, is not only famous for discovering the sunken remains of the R.M.S. Titanic. He is also founder of the JASON project, which is a highly acclaimed year-long curriculum that educates millions of students through scientific discovery. Ballard has worked as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Applied Physics and Engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and as the President of the Institute for Exploration at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. He has published many books including Explorations, an autobiography, Graveyards of the Pacific: From Pearl Harbor to Bikini Island, The Eternal Darkness, and The Discovery of the Titanic. "A science education crusader, Ballard has made the JASON Project one of the most popular science programs in the USA." Dennis Kelley, USA Today To learn more about DR. ROBERT BALLARD... The JASON project has taken more than 5 million "Student Argonauts" on educational field trips throughout the world via satellite and the Internet, including the National Geographic Channel. Dr. Ballard's other heroes include Charles Darwin and Lewis & Clark.
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The latest JASON Project engaged students and teachers in an exciting exploration of the unique Channel Islands region of California, also sometimes called the 'Galapogos of North America'. This area includes the Channel Islands National Park, the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the densely populated California coastline. This beautiful stretch of coastline served as the project's laboratory for studying nature's dynamic systems.
Meet some of the Argonauts who spent time exploring the Channel Islands with Dr. Ballard: |
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JASON XIV showcases the latest news from Argonaut researchers at the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands National Park encompasses five of the eight California Channel Islands. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary helps protect over 25 species of marine animals. Jason Project XIII Read about the JASON Project: Frozen Worlds Exploration |
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RECOMMENDED
READING | |
 Adventures in Ocean Exploration: From the Discovery of the Titanic to the Search for Noah''s Flood by Robert Duane D. Ballard, Malcolm McConnell |
 Eternal Darkness: A Personal History of Deep-Sea Exploration by Robert D. Ballard, Will Hively |
 Ghost Liners: Exploring the World’s Greatest Lost Ships by Dr. Robert D. Ballard |
 Robert Ballard: Oceanographer Who Discovered the Titanic (People to Know) by Christine M. Hill |
 Talking with Adventurers: Conversations with Christina Allen, Robert Ballard, Michael L Blakey, Anne Bowles, David Doubilet by Pat Cummings, Linda Cummings (Editor) |
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| Australian Aborigines Protecting Wetlands by working to conserve the environment around them. | Barry Commoner works to protect the environment and raise awareness about the danger of radio activity. | Ben Redclay was an earthkeeper whose legacy lives on through his daughter. | Benjamin Kahn involves school children in regrowing coral to help save damaged reefs in the Red Sea. |
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| Beth Rickard Environmentalist is an advocate of solar as the energy of the future. | Bill Roley taught children in a Mexican orphanage how to work the land. | CAMPUS CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY at Humboldt State University. | Chico Mendes was a father who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defending rainforests. |
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| Chief Oren Lyons is an internationally venerated advocate for preserving biodiversity. | David Nathan Chain was killed during a nonviolent protest to save the redwoods. | Deland Chan started an environmental group at the YMCA in New York City. | Dennis Weaver is an actor and advocate for ecologically sustainable living. |
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| Dian Fossey worked to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla. | Donald Knaack is a musician whose unique productions inspire people of all ages to explore, create and give back to others. | Dr. E.O. Wilson studies the impact that human activity has on the planet. | Dr. Elvia Niebla Soil Scientist is dedicated to soil conservation. |
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| Dr. Richard Murphy Marine Biologist educates others about the sea and ways to protect the oceans for the future. | Dr. Robert Ballard and the JASON project bring scientific exploration to children around the world. | Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League. | Dr. Vandana Shiva works to preserve biodiversity for the planet. |
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| Envirofit retrofits engines to reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency in developing countries. | Fin Donnelly works to keep our rivers and waters clean. | Frances Moore Lappe works to eliminate the injustices that cause hunger. | Friends of Nature: Mr. Liang Congjie is a voice for China's environment. |
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| Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean. | George Schaller is a world-renowned naturalist. | Gerald Durrell established the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust for endangered species. | Greenpeace works globally to save the environment. |
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| Hayrettin Karaca is known as Grandfather Earth for making our planet brighter, greener and better for future generations. | Heather DeWitt is a devoted conservationist. | J.N. (Ding) Darling , conservationist and cartoonist, used his art to raise awareness about the environment. | Jack Johnson is a musician who encourages kids to take care of the environment. |
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| Jack Sim has started a worldwide campaign for clean public toilets and better sanitation standards. | Jacques Cousteau invented the Aqua-Lung, a predecessor to the SCUBA systems used by divers worldwide today. | Jane Goodall is an authority on wild chimpanzees. | Jane Goodall …is a renowned expert on chimpanzees and works to educate people about their own power to improve the environment. |
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| Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to protecting the ocean for future generations through education and conservation. | Jody Williams is a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who began a campaign to rid the world of landmines. | John McConnell founded Earth Day (March 20) and continues his fight for environmental education and awareness. | John Muir advocated preservation, feeling that natural areas promote mental health. |
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| Joseph Ki-Zerbo works to help Africans retain control of their country's agriculture. | Julia Hill brought public attention to deforestation in California. | Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park is the only park in the Americas established and run by indigenous peoples. | Kory Johnson was honored with the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1998. |
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| Laurie David is passionately committed to stopping global warming. | Lee Myung-Bak is responsible for making Seoul, South Korea 'cleaner and greener' during his tenure as mayor. | Marjory Stoneman Douglas worked tirelessly to preserve the Everglades. | Mia Siscawati teaches people to protect their environment. |
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| Michael Reynolds Garbage Warrior combines biology and architecture to build sustainable housing. | Mrs. Mei Ng: Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) uses education to foster environmental awareness in China | My Trip to Catalina Island Slater, a young environmental and peace activist, meets her hero, Jean-Michel Cousteau. | Nicole Dewing and Curtis McCormack joined the Peace Corps and started a waste recycling project in Joal, Senegal. |
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| Ocean Robbins helps organize young people committed to protecting the planet. | Prigi Arisandi works to educate people on the importance of protecting the rivers of Indonesia | Rachel Carson was the mother of the environmental movement. | Ramani Sankaranarayanan and Geeta Vaidyanathan founded CTxGrEn to show villagers how to turn native materials into fuel for electricity. |
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| Reef Ball Foundation restores damaged coral reef systems around the world. | Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world. | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an eco-warrior defending the earth for future generations. | Robert Redford established the Sundance Film Festival to effect change in the world. |
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| Rory Stear and Kristine Pearson developed and distribute wind-up and solar powered radios to poor communities around the world. | Roxanne Kremer works with the Mestizo Indians of the Peruvian rainforest to save pink dolphins. | Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean water in Africa. | Saint Francis of Assisi was a true example of harmonious existence on Earth |
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| Sandra Postel believes in the importance of water conservation. | Severn Cullis-Suzuki an environmental activist, speaker, television host. | Stanislav Petrov averted nuclear disaster, yet remains unknown to most. | SUJANA cleans roads in Indonesia to help the environment. |
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| Suryo Wardhoyo Prawiroatmodjo educates people in Indonesia to protect the environment. | Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist and ambassador of the oceans. | Terram Foundation brings job growth, community involvement, and local solutions to larger environmental concerns. | Theodore Roosevelt worked tirelessly to protect wildlife and the environment. |
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| Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa. | Wes Jackson was a professor who returned to the land to advance sustainable agriculture practices. | William McDonough designs buildings for ecological sustainability. | YouthCaN is a youth- run organization promoting environmental awareness through technology. |
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| Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks has educated over 5,000 students on sea turtles and marine conservation. |
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| Abner Peeler is credited with the invention of the first airbrush. | Ada Lovelace was a ninteenth century woman who influenced the computer programming of today | Alan Turing laid the theoretical groundwork for the first computer. | Albert Einstein believed in the power of imagination. |
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| Alexander Borodin was an accomplished chemist, composer and staunch advocate of women's rights. | Alexander Graham Bell was the inventor of the telephone. | Ameen Abdulrasool is a young inventor who developed a portable navigation system for the blind. | Amy Charkowski works on the front lines of protecting Earth's food supply. |
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| Andrea Mia Ghez is an astrophysicist best known for her discoveries about the black hole at the center of our galaxy. | Ariel Ruiz i Altaba Scientist - Photographer combines art and science to research how cells are generated and formed. | Audrey Penn: Just Do It is a medical doctor who has devoted herself to studying diseases that affect muscle control. | Augusta Ada Byron developed the world's first computer program while struggling with her own personal hardships. |
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| Babak Darvish, MD inspires his patients and coworkers with his upbeat attitude and determination. | Barbara McClintock was one of the first women geneticists, and a Nobel laureate. | Ben Carson is the chief of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. | Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, diplomat, writer, and a huge influence on American history. |
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| Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, civic leader and founding father of the U.S. | Bernard Fantus created the world's first blood bank. | Bernardo Houssay was an Argentinean physiologist and Nobel Prize winner. | Beth Rickard Environmentalist is an advocate of solar as the energy of the future. |
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| Bill Fenical "Neptune's Medicine Chest" is a pioneer in the hunt for medicines from the ocean to treat cancer and other diseases. | Bonnie Dunbar helped start a scholars program to inspire students to pursue careers in aerospace and engineering. | Charles Darwin is the father of modern biology. | Chiaki Mukai is the first female Japanese astronaut. |
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| Christiane Nusslein-Volhard is a Nobel Prize winner and pioneer genetic researcher. | Claudia Gerwin: Keeping the Neurons Firing researches how nerve cells relay messages to each other. | Clifford V. Johnson is a string theorist who studies the makeup of the smallest particles of the universe. | Connie Samaras has created media archives for deep space voyages. |
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| Courtney Schumacher is an atmospheric scientist and educator committed to mentoring young women interested in science. | Cristina Diaz: Biologist studies intertidal and tropical sponges. | Dame Cicely Saunders founded the modern hospice to provide compassionate, holistic care to the dying. | DAREnet provides open access to Dutch academic research information and findings. |
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| Darlene Cavalier founded ScienceCheerleader.com to promote science literacy. | Darlene Ketten studies stranded whales and dolphins. | Dean Kamen makes science and technology exciting for young people, | Debbye Turner became Miss America and pursued her dream to become a veterinarian. |
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| Dilfuza Egamberdiyeva cares for the Earth's soil, researching ways to produce microbes to control plant diseases. | Dr Deepak Acharya is a scientist devoted to protecting India's endangered Patalkot Forest. | Dr. Alexander Langmuir Langmuir's work in epidemiology has saved millions of lives. | Dr. Barbara Ross Lee became the first African American woman dean of a US medical school. |
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| Dr. Caldicott has been a lifelong anti-nuclear activist. | Dr. Carolyn Mazure founded the Yale Women's Health Program and is a forceful figure in the women's health movement. | Dr. Edward Holland Ophthalmologist transplants corneal stem cells to help give people their sight back. | Dr. Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine. |
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| Dr. Elizabeth Kalko and the Jason Project studies bats in the Panamanian rainforest. | Dr. Elvia Niebla Soil Scientist is dedicated to soil conservation. | Dr. Farouk El-Baz is an Egyptian space scientist and geologist. | Dr. France Cordova is a renowned astrophysicist who has broken gender and cultural barriers. |
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| Dr. Gloria WilderBrathwaite was inspired to provide health care to the poor in the innner city. | Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy cares for the eyes of millions of people in India. | Dr. Ines Cifuentes Seismologist works to improve science programs for students in Washington, DC. | Dr. Karen Plaut has been a pioneer in animal science research. |
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| Dr. Kay Jamison is both an expert on, and a sufferer of, Bipolar Disorder. | Dr. Kristi Curry-Rogers is an accomplished paleontologist who travels the globe in search of dinosaur digs. | Dr. Madan Kataria has started a revolution of joy and laughter that is spreading around the world. | Dr. Michael DeBakey is the father of modern open-heart surgery. |
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| Dr. Patch Adams gives the practice of medicine a humorous twist. | Dr. Richard Murphy Marine Biologist educates others about the sea and ways to protect the oceans for the future. | Dr. Robert Ballard and the JASON project bring scientific exploration to children around the world. | Dr. Rosalie Bertell Anti-Nuclear Nun is a renowned scientist, eco-feminist and peace activist. |
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| Dr. Sara W. Lazar Neuroscientist - Meditator researches the effects of meditation on the brain. | Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh is a scientist dedicated to the study and conservation of bonobos. | Dr. Susan Love is committed to women's health issues. | Dr. Zeda Rosenberg is working to protect women from HIV/AIDS. |
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| Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female doctor and opened the first medical school for women. | Enrico Fermi was one of the 20th century's greatest physicists. | Envirofit retrofits engines to reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency in developing countries. | Erich Jarvis observes song birds and uses his training with molecular biology to learn about brain behavior. |
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| F. Sherwood Rowland discovered the 'greenhouse effect.' | Fati Kirakoya is a researcher committed to finding solutions to end HIV/AIDS. | Frederick Banting was the co-discoverer of Insulin. | Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean. |
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| Gail Kaaialii: Biologist investigates the origins of life and helps others value all life forms. | Galileo Galilei was the first to use a telescope to observe the stars and planets. | George Washington Carver is famous for experimenting with plants. | Gertrude B. Elion developed the AIDS drug, AZT. |
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| Gina Gallant is an inventor whose passion is protecting the environment. | Grace Murray Hopper was a computer visionary and naval officer. | Guglielmo Marconi was an Italian inventor who won a Nobel Prize in Physics for wireless telegraphy. | Guion S. Bluford, Jr. became the first African-American in space. |
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| Hazel Barton combines her passion for caving with researching microbes. | Hib Vaccine Team created an affordable, synthetic vaccine against the bacteria that can cause meningitis and pneumonia. | Howard Florey shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine for extracting penicillin. | Irene Ayako Uchida helped find the link between radiation and birth defects. |
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| Irene Curie was the second woman in history to win the Nobel Prize in science; the first woman was her mother, Marie. | Jack St. Clair Kilby invented the microchip. | James Burke developed a model of discovery called the Knowledge Web to connect information across space and time. | Jane Mt. Pleasant is an agricultural scientist who looks to the past to meet today's farming needs. |
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| Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine. | Kathy Sullivan was the first American woman to walk in space. | Leon Lederman devotes much of his time and energy to improving science education in America. | Leonard Adleman improves lives with his work in DNA technology. |
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| Leonardo da Vinci was an artist and a scientist ever curious of the world around him. | Leslie Thompson is a scientist devoted to finding a cure for Huntington's Disease. | Louis Pasteur 's discoveries advanced the practice of medicine. | Luz Maria Rodriguez-Fernandez conducts cancer research to help understand the disease process. |
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| Madame Curie received the Nobel Prize for her discovery of Radium. | Mae Jemison dreamed of going to space since childhood. | Magdalena Hurtado is an anthropologist who studies the Ache people of Paraguay. | Margaret Mead was a renowned anthropologist who thought in terms of 'the interconnection of all aspects of human life.' |
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| Marie Curie discovered radioactivity as an atomic property, opening the door to 20th century science. | Martha Mecartney is a scientist, engineer and professor committed to helping young women interested in the field of science. | Meenakshi Wadhwa studies meteorites and the processes involved in their formation. | Merieme Chadid is an astronomer from Morocco who did research at the South Pole. |
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| Mohammed Bah Abba invented a refrigeration device that is not dependent on electricity. | Neil A. Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. | Nikola Tesla was the father of many modern inventions. | Norman Borlaug saved billions of lives with his agricultural discoveries. |
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| Orville and Wilbur Wright were brothers determined to build a better flying machine. | Patrick Nagatani uses photography and colored lights to promote good health. | Paul Farmer has dedicated his life to treating people in the poorest nations in the world | Paul Munsen Solar Oven Man manufactures sun ovens, which harness the sun's rays to provide an environmentally safe source of energy. |
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| Paul Sipiera led an expedition into Antarctica to find meteorites for NASA. | Percy Julian was a groundbreaking African American chemist, inventor, and trailblazer. | Philo T. Farnsworth was the inventor of the television. | Ramani Sankaranarayanan and Geeta Vaidyanathan founded CTxGrEn to show villagers how to turn native materials into fuel for electricity. |
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| Ray Kurzweil is an inventor who uses technology to restore health. | Reef Ball Foundation restores damaged coral reef systems around the world. | Richard Feynman shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for work in the field of quantum electrodynamics. | Robert Koch was an important medical researcher of the 19th century. |
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| Rokhaya Gueye treats malaria and raises awareness about women's health issues in Senegal. | Saeed Awan developed a new carpet loom that reduces child labor in Pakistan. | Sandra Begay-Campbell is a Native American engineer who brings solar-powered energy to the Navajo reservation. | Shannon Hackett studies the genetic diversity and evolution in tropical birds. |
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| Sir Alexander Fleming saved millions of lives with his discovery of penicillin. | Srinivasa Ramanujan made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics. | Stephanie Jenouvrier is a population ecologist researching the effects of climate change on emperor penguins. | Stephen Hawking is a renowned theoretical physicist who writes about 'black holes'. |
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| Tania Ruiz is an astrophysicist committed to science education and helping women reach their goals. | Thais Corral gives women a voice in their communities through access to communication technology. | Therese Koutnik is an inspiration to her sister and a role model for girls who would like to become engineers. | Thomas Alva Edison holds the record for number of patents filed. |
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| Thomas Alva Edison is considered one of the world's greatest inventors. | Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. | Tom Chau Biomedical Engineer uses science and technology to maximize opportunities for people with disabilities. | Tom Dibblee is a legendary geologic mapper. |
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| Usha Varanasi is the first woman to lead a Fisheries Science Center. | Vint Cerf , Internet pioneer, passionately believes that all people should benefit from the information revolution. | Vladimir Kosma Zworykin is called 'The Father of Television'. | Wes Jackson was a professor who returned to the land to advance sustainable agriculture practices. |
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| Wilson Bentley was the first person to photograph a single snowflake. | XIV Argonauts broadcasted their explorations of the Channel Islands. | Zohra Ben Lakhdar is a physicist from Africa who does research on atomic spectroscopy. |
Last changed on:4/21/2003 1:22:03 PM
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