Mesa County Association for Paranormal Scientific Studies

The Mesa County Association for Paranormal Scientific Studies (MAPSS) is a non-profit organization based in Grand Junction, Colorado, USA which investigates and studies paranormal science. It was founded in 2005 by husband and wife team Cliff Christ and S.J. Christ.

History

Out of curiosity and the necessity to search for answers to the unknown, S.J. Christ and Cliff Christ, both retired public servants, applied their 20 years of investigative experience towards forming an organization mandated to investigate and study the paranormal in a highly scientific and reputable manner.

Investigations and Studies

The team’s primary focus is to present clients, the identities of whom are held in the strictest of confidence, with data recorded and analyzed from investigations. The collection and subsequent analysis of evidence is performed with a strict and rigid adherence to standards for investigative and scientific study. At the end of each investigatory cycle the client is presented with the data collected, reviewed, and analyzed as they may draw their own conclusion. The organization has volunteers with experience ranging from retired military, peace officer, and firefighters to former members of corporate America, amateur physicists, and entrepreneurs. This diverse range of talents helps the organization to better study the paranormal from a pragmatic and skeptical point of view through their ongoing research programs, in addition to their investigations schedule.

Additional Activities

As a strategic partner with the Fleeting Souls Foundation, members of MAPSS, primarily co-founder S.J. Christ, assist with a weekly streaming radio show/podcast on Blogtalkradio. According to the show’s website, it styles itself as one that “talk about everything from Angels and Ghosts, to Spirits and UFOs.” The show has guests representing several aspects of the paranormal and spiritual as well as just “open mic nights” in which interested individuals can call in and share their experiences, ask questions, or otherwise contribute to the program.” Among the regular spots on the radio program/podcast is the “Science and Paranormal Corner” with Matthew Hetland, resource manager and a scientific member of the MAPSS team. In this regular segment Matthew explains connections between paranormal science and other scientific disciplines using a character popularly known as “Stickman” or “Stickman Bob” among the listeners of the radio program.

In early 2008 MAPSS will begin publishing a quarterly booklet, “Cases of the Unexplained” highlighting articles from multiple experts in the paranormal investigations field, science, and the like. In addition, Angelic Ross of the Fleeting Souls Foundation offers a quarterly piece on the spiritual side of the paranormal. Unimpressed with the quality, breadth, and depth of literature available on the scientific aspects of the paranormal, MAPSS co-founder S.J. Christ decided to dive into the publishing activity to speak to the scientific side of the paranormal.

MAPSS also maintains a website where they post matters pertaining to their activities, including some evidence attained through their investigations. For individuals wishing to apply for membership with them, they are invited to do so at the MAPSS Administrative web site.

Membership

• S.J. Christ – Co-Founder and Lead Investigator
• Cliff Christ – Co-Founder and Technical Department Manager
• Angel Lopez – Leader Investigator & Trainer
• Matthew A. Hetland – Resource Manager, Science & Technical Advisor 1979-2008, Matthew will be missed
• Devin Bogle - Investigator
• Chris Wilson – Investigator
• Cherylann Sinski – Investigator, Public Relations Officer
• Neal Alexander - Investigator
• Rita Salas – Evidence Review
• Linda Parisi – Evidence Review
• T.J. Jensen – Support Staff
• “Stickman Bob” – Honorary Member
• Isaac Norman - Investigator

References

Roice-Hurst Haunted?
Sleuths Detect Spirits in Animal Shelter
Do you believe?

External links

• MAPSS Main Site
• MAPSS Administrative Site