Ciaran O'Keeffe

Dr. Ciaran O'Keeffe is an Associate Professor of Education & Research and Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). He holds a PhD in parapsychology and specializes in parapsychology, forensic psychology, and the study of haunting experiences. His research focuses on anomalous experiences, ghost narratives, and the psychological mechanisms underlying such phenomena.

Education: B.A. (Psychology & Music) from Washington College, MSc in Investigative Psychology, and a PhD examining special claimants (e.g., mediums, astrologers) and rhetorical linguistic strategies in their interactions. He has taught at Liverpool Hope University and internationally.

Research Interests: Parapsychology, haunting phenomena, forensic psychology, cultural narratives of the supernatural, and the application of virtual reality in education. He has pioneered the VAPUS model for understanding ghost narratives as cultural memes.

Key Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and affiliate of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Media & Collaborations: Featured in BBC Radio 4 podcasts, documentaries with celebrities like Tony Robinson, and collaborations with artists (e.g., Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce) on science-art projects. His work on 'Haunted People Syndrome' has been highlighted in New Scientist.

Teaching: Leads courses in Counselling, Forensic Psychology, and Spirituality-Environment-Mental Health. Integrates exceptional human experiences (e.g., VR-induced 'haunted' states) into pedagogy.