D. W. Pasulka
Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) [1], bridges the gap between religious studies, technological advancements, and the enigmatic realm of UFO phenomena (now called UAP). Her work transcends academic boundaries, captivating audiences through insightful publications, media appearances, and thought-provoking lectures.
Dr. Pasulka’s research focuses on religion, technology, and emerging religious movements [1]. She has authored a series of acclaimed books, including:
- “American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, and Technology”(2019), which explores the convergence of these themes, receiving critical acclaim from major publications like Vice, Vox, Fox News, and The Los Angeles Review of Books [2, 3, 4, 5].
- “Heaven Can Wait: Purgatory in Catholic Devotional and Popular Culture”(2014), delving into Catholic traditions [6].
- “Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences” (2024), exploring the nature of unexplained experiences [7].
Beyond these books, which receive exceptional reviews on Amazon [8], her published articles and book chapters delve into topics ranging from historical examinations of 19th-century Western American children’s literature of the afterlife to contemporary phenomenon of human-technology integration [9, 10].
Beyond Academia: A Voice in Popular Culture
Dr. Pasulka’s research extends to popular media. She’s appeared on popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman, Mysterious Universe, and Vox Media’s Ezra Klein Show [11, 12, 13, 14]. She translates complex ideas for diverse audiences; international presentations; including a talk at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City [15]. A list of her course offerings is here: https://dwpasulka-courses.teachable.com/p/home .
Dr. Pasulka’s knowledge also extends into the world of visual media. She served as a consultant for film and television productions, including The Conjouring (2013), and most recently, as a consulting producer for the Emmy Nominated Netflix Docuseries “Encounters” (link to Encounters on Netflix) [16]. Her insights were also featured in the highly anticipated J.J. Abrams-produced docuseries “UFO” [17].
Dr. Pasulka’s research delves into the vast spectrum from Catholic history to modern-day reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and UFOs [1]. In cooperation with the Vatican Apostolic Archive, she organized the translation into English of the canonization records for Saint Joseph of Cupertino, a revered 17th-century Italian saint known for his alleged levitation abilities [18]. This work provides valuable insights into Catholic history and underscores Dr. Pasulka’s commitment to bridging the gap between the past and present.
[1] https://uncw.academia.edu/DianaPasulka
[2] https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-cosmic-9780190692889
[3] https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/4/18632778/ufo-aliens-american-cosmic-diana-pasulka
[4] https://nation.foxnews.com/watch/05230a53878a6631e083f7eb40671fa4/
[6] https://global.oup.com/academic/product/heaven-can-wait-9780195382020
[7] https://academic.macmillan.com/academictrade/9781250879561/encounters
[8] https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07NL6KZN5/allbooks
[10] https://www.academia.edu/34657518/The_Spectrum_of_Human_Techno_Hybridity_The_Total_Recall_Effect
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqBh7G4uDR8
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9ZU-SvOiSU
[13] https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2023/11/30.18-MU-Podcast-The-Spirits-of-Antiquity/
[14] https://www.vox.com/the-gray-area/24151055/ufo-god-spirituality-aliens-uap-nonhuman-intelligence
[15] https://vimeo.com/393339442
[16] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28692332/fullcredits/
[17] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14866442/
[18] https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08520b.htm
Pasulka approaches UFO believers with an open mind in her irresistible debut… lively character sketches bring the characters to life… Pasulka gives lively and entertaining insight into the curious study of UFOs.
CURRENT WORK & PROJECTS
Between 2014 – 2018, Dr. Pasulka travelled to New Mexico, and then to Rome and Italy. She conducted research at the Vatican Archive and the Vatican Space Observatory (Specola Vaticana). She also travelled to New Mexico with two scientists to an “alleged” UFO crash site. She was there not as a believer, but as a scholar of belief systems. Her research findings at these iconic locations were published in her acclaimed book American Cosmic (Oxford University Press, 2019).
Through her experiences working with extraordinary people in Rome and with scientists at the top of their fields, she learned about people with extraordinary abilities and creative talents. These talents enabled them to create game-changing technologies and live meaningful and interesting lives.
Currently Dr. Pasulka teaches about “protocols of transformation” and creativity, through publications, audiobooks, courses, and presentations. Her research is available through books, online courses, and workshop seminars. Her published essays are available for free on Academia.edu