Neuroimaging Studies of Psi
Psychophysiological Studies of Psi and Altered States
Dr. David Acunzo: Lab Director
People sometimes report spontaneous experiences such as precognitive dreams or telepathic impressions. Others think they can generate such phenomena at will. “Psi” (or psychic) phenomena refer to these apparently anomalous interactions between individuals and their environment, and include extra-sensory perception and psychokinesis. Psi phenomena are often associated with altered states of consciousness, such as dreaming, meditative states, and spiritual experiences. One aspect of our research is to experimentally study these phenomena and altered states with a neuroscientific lens, focusing on individuals who can generate them.
For this purpose, we focus on the study of individuals who can trigger these experiences voluntarily. This includes people who can generate and control out-of-body experiences, trance mediums, advanced meditators, and various gifted psi subjects such as remote viewers or individuals who claim to voluntarily effect observable changes in the physical environment via mental processes.
Participate in our Research
Click HereIf you feel you possess any or all of the abilities described here, please Contact Us and provide a brief description of your experiences. You may also wish to complete this Unusual Experiences Questionnaire to give us an account of your experiences.
Participate in our Research
Click HereRay Westphal Neuroimaging Laboratory
The UVA Division of Perceptual Studies established the Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Laboratory in 2008 under the co-direction of Dr. Edward Kelly (psychologist & neuroscientist) and Dr. Ross Dunseath (electrical engineer).
Edward Kelly, PhD: previous Co-Director of the Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Lab (2008-2024)
Ross Dunseath, PhD: previous Co-Director of Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Lab (2008-2024)
This facility is a state-of-the-art neuroscientific research facility with an electromagnetically and acoustically shielded chamber and allowing the concurrent recording of multichannel EEG (electro-encephalography), fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and other physiological signals. The laboratory is now directed by Dr. David Acunzo since 2024.
Control station for shielded chamber room in the Ray Westphal Neuroimaging Laboratory
Elliott Gish wearing an EEG and EOG to help test the lab’s hardware and software
More Info on the Lab
Intro to DOPS Neuroimaging Lab with David Acunzo, PhD
BOOKS
You can find a list of books written by DOPS faculty on the mind-body relationship, altered states, and more, by clicking the link.
Also, check out a list of recommended books by other authors pertaining to the topics of psi and altered states, amongst others.
RESEARCH
Click here to read academic publications on the subject of psi, altered states, paranormal phenomena, etc. written by Dr. Ed Kelly, Dr. Ross Dunseath, and their collaborators.
RAMJAM PODCAST: Russ Townsend Interviews Ed Kelly PhD on “The Scientific Investigation of Psi Phenomena“
For more podcasts/radio on these topics, check out the appropriate categories within our News and Media section.
Ross Dunseath PhD, presenting: Physiological Correlates of Psi Phenomena Pilot Study of EEG and PK about the psi research being carried out in our lab.
For more videos on these topics, check out the appropriate categories within our News and Media section.