ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Ryan Buell founded the Paranormal Research Society the first month he arrived on campus in September 2001. Buell always knew he was interested in the paranormal ever since he could read. He regularly checked out books from the library ranging from poltergeists to the Bermuda Triangle. A native of Sumter, South Carolina, Buell began investigating at the age of 15. His first investigation was on the Salem-Black River Church just outside of his hometown.
Buell got his first degree in May 2006. He is now finishing another degree while working on the first season of "Paranormal State."
Buell's ultimate goals is to produce documentaries and encourage discussion on the paranormal. He hopes to continue growing as a paranormal investigator and to eventually push PRS in to a more academic setting.
When Buell isn't investigating the supernatural, he ski's, writes, travels around the country, hikes with his dog Xander and makes fun of Paris Hilton.
Favorite Movie: The Exorcist, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, North by Northwest, Return of the King, Gladiator. Recent Favorite Movies include: Beowulf, Spider-Man 3, American Gangster, The Mist, and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Favorite TV Shows: Heroes, LOST, The Colbert Report, South Park, Real Time with Bill Maher.
Q&A WITH BUELL: (Dec. 31 2007)
How did you get involved in paranormal research? It's a very long and boring story.
What is your educational background? I got my first degree in Journalism and I am finishing another degree (though it's taking FOREVER) in an Anthropology science.
Why did you spend your college time working on paranormal research when you could have been a part of a cool frat and partied all weekend? You know, I ask that every day. Haha, not really. I like what I do. It's different and awesome. If you want to be popular and get the gals, you don't enter paranormal research. But I'm passionate about what I do, although it's not the ONLY thing I do.
How did you get involved to do a TV show? I was approached by Betsy Schechter, our now executive producer and emmy nominated producer. She wanted this show to be about the clients and their experiences, so we agreed on that. She also allowed us to have some input with the show. She ultimately wanted to do a docu-series about our cases, and three years later, we are finally here.
Why is Joe Paterno so damn awesome? We've opened a case file on it and it will be featured on a future episode of "Paranormal State."
What is your ultimate goal with PARANORMAL STATE? Hands down, to get people talking. To get people to discuss things. I know this show will be controversial in many different aspects. We're also here to help people. Thankfully, a lot of people are getting that and that's awesome.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully somewhere warm and tropical with an ice bucket full of Corona's.
Where do you see PRS in five years? A research institute that is completely independent and able to stand on its own, with a small staff of full-time researchers.
Who are your heroes? Bob Woodward ("I think journalism gets measured by the quality of information it presents, not the drama or the pyrotechnics associated with us.") , Albus Dumbledore ("To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."), Joe Paterno ("Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good.").
If you wish to contact Ryan, please feel free to email him at ryanb@pennstateprs.com .
You can also visit his blog: http://ryansblog.pennstateprs.com
Or his MySpace: www.myspace.com/ryan_buell
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