Deonna Kelli Sayed

The last time I thought of ghosts and other spectral matters, the ground was frozen and the air frigid. Many things have thawed in the summer heat,  including my once-upon-a-time persona as a “paranormal investigator.” I’m putting on that hat again — at least, for a few minutes – or, more appropriately, I’m pulling on one of my black t-shirts to talk about ghost hunting.

To be honest, I’m not really talking about “ghost hunting” in the way one sees on TV.  On Friday, July 11th, I’m speaking at the Rhine Research Center about why ghost hunting/survival research/afterlife study is important for American society. My lecture, “The Ghost Frontier,” will be at the Stedman Auditorium at the Duke Center for Living Campus at 7:00-9:00 pm.

John Kruth, the Executive Director of the Rhine Research Center (former Duke Parapsychology Lab) emailed me about speaking in July during their month-long themed events on field investigation. I jumped at the opportunity. The RRC is a fascinating organization conducting unusual and compelling research that “explores the frontiers of consciousness and exceptional human experiences in the context of unusual and unexplained phenomena.” The Rhine hosts Friday night lectures and other gatherings that elevates the dialogue around subjects (like precognition, ESP) often clouded in cliched discussion.

I’m honored to speak at the Rhine because it allows me to really dig into my social and cultural theory academic background within the context of my experience as an investigator.  I’ll link today’s paranormal investigative culture to creativity (WB Yeats), the philosophy of science (William James), spirituality, the history of parapsychology and popular culture.

If you have any interest in these topics, or if you are a cultural studies enthusiast, I hope to see you there or hear that you are registered for the online simulcast. If you aren’t in the area, this provides a perfect excuse to visit NC — there are lots of touristy things to do in these parts.

If you do make the trip, Saturday, July 12th is a workshop with David Rountree followed by an investigation at an active (but undisclosed) location!