We here at Spectral Review as you might imagine enjoy the “reality” based ghost and paranormal shows. These shows include Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters International. These shows in their own way each try to find answers to questions about the paranormal. One could argue about their methods or motivations but they do try to show how they search for ghosts.

These shows are just representations of real people who do paranormal research. Nearly 100% of these people do this paranormal research for free. That tells us that these researchers are not only dedicated to this research but passionate about it also.

We want to know more about these people. Why do they do this research? How did they start? What expertise do they have?

Our next article in the “People in Paranormal Research” series is from Jennifer Doane of Northern Utah Paranormal Society (N.U.P.S.). Jennifer is the founder of N.U.P.S.

We hope you like this series. If you have any suggestions or want to participate in our series, use our contact form. And as always you can leave your comment here.

Onto the questions and Jennifer’s awesome answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I’ve been reading about the paranormal since I was about 8 years old when I had my first experience. I have only been actively investigating for about 2 years now.

Where are you located, what area of the world do you do investigations? What is the farthest you have traveled to do an investigation?

Our group is located in Northern Utah and we investigate everywhere from Salt Lake City to Ogden, as well as Eastern Nevada, Southern Idaho, and Western Wyoming. The farthest away I have investigated would be Gettysburg in October of 2006.

Was there a particular reason or event that lead you to do this research?

When I was about 8 years old I saw what I guess would be described as a shadow person. It was the size and shape of a young toddler/child. I saw this shape run from what was then a den across the hallway into what was my parent’s bedroom. It freaked me out to say the least! I later found that the people who owned the house prior to my parents had a young child that died in the den.

Why do you continue to do this work?

I am fascinated by the paranormal. Each investigation and experience is unique, and each one is memorable in its own way. I love being able to explore all of the historic locations we’ve been allowed access to, and to hear the stories straight from the people who have experienced them is just amazing. Also, our group is so much fun to be around, we honestly have a blast each time we are together.

What would be the most compelling evidence you have seen or heard?

To date, I would have to say it would be two EVP’s that were captured when we investigated the Main Theater. I captured what sounds like a female voice saying “sorry” in the basement of the building, and my Tech. Manager Mike also captured a female voice saying “I’m sorry” later on during that investigation, upstairs in the balcony.

What is your role in your group? Is that where you started? What other roles would you like to learn and do?

I am the founder of the Northern Utah Paranormal Society. I started the group due to the lack of open groups in our area, and also because I knew the direction that I wanted “my” paranormal group to go. I am also the webmistress, and I pretty much help out wherever needed!

Have you taken any formal training in your life that has enhanced your skill set for your paranormal work?

No, I have not. I think what has enhanced my skill set for paranormal work is that I have done an incredible amount of reading on the subject. I’ve been studying the paranormal for about 11 years now, and I just knew that this was something that I could do. So far, it’s been amazing!

What advice would you give someone who wanted to get into the paranormal field?

The best advice I can give is to read everything you can get your hands on. Watch every paranormal show to see how other groups work. Talk to others in the field, most of us are more than willing to help newbies get started. Basically, read, read, read!

Is there some aspect or point of view about the paranormal field that you wished that everyone in the field followed?

I really wish that everyone could agree that most orbs (95%) can be easily explained by natural phenomena (i.e. dirt, moisture, pollen).

What misconceptions do the public and/or media have about the paranormal field you wish you could dispel?

I think that a lot of people think that we are these dark, brooding, people who are Satan worshipers in real life. I would love for people to realize that the vast majority of ghosts are not demons, and that “ghost hunters” range in age, religious background, and education levels.