In Memoriam: Dr. Walter Semkiw († May 31, 2022)
With deep gratitude and remembrance, we dedicate this Advisory Board page in honor of Dr. Walter Semkiw, founder and longtime steward of ReincarnationResearch.com. His visionary force, scholarly curiosity, and tireless devotion laid the groundwork for the archive that now joins with the community in the Institute for Life Continuity Studies. His legacy continues through every case preserved, every question asked, and every bridge built between research and story.
The Advisory Board For Institute of Life Continuity Studies
We’re honored to be guided by a diverse, interdisciplinary Advisory Board whose insight helps keep ReincarnationResearch both bold and grounded.
Active ILCS Board Members
Kevin Ryerson – Spiritual Communication & Mediumship
Kevin, a trance medium active in earlier work with ReincarnationResearch, contributes experiential insight into spiritual communication, channeling, and interpretive dimensions of memory phenomena.
Henry Bieryla – Edgar Cayce Studies & A.R.E. Advocacy
With a background in curriculum development and educational outreach, Henry’s focus is translating deep research into materials that are accessible, digestible, and inspiring for wide audiences.
Janna Weiss, PhD – Liaison for Tibet House, Buddhist Studies, Judaism, and Cross-Cultural Research
Janna links ILCSto contemplative traditions, interfaith dialogue, and philosophical perspectives—particularly Buddhist and cross-cultural lenses on memory, rebirth, and identity.
Gary Tiemann, LCSW – Reincarnation Research & Psychotherapy
Gary’s experience in psychotherapy and soul-memory integration offers balance and psychological sensitivity, especially when working with families, emotional narratives, and memory work.
Chuck McMurray – Digital Technologies, AI & Web Design
At the helm of ILCS, Chuck combines expertise in web architecture, human-centered UX, and emergent AI tools. He guides the technical vision, designing platforms that integrate archive, annotation, and community engagement in seamless, ethical ways.
Patty Finlayson–Astrology & Reincarnation Cycles
With over 40 years as a professional master consulting astrologer, Patty brings astrology to ILCS as a context tool, translating repeating life-patterns, timing cycles, and relationship dynamics into plain English while comparing current and past lives to illuminate carried-forward temperaments, soul purpose, and continuity of tendencies.
International Members and Expanded Support
Ashok Kumar Sharma, PhD – Promotion of Reincarnation Research in India
Dr. Sharma’s network and expertise help ensure that Indian and South Asian case traditions, scholarship, and perspectives are well represented and supported in our global vision.
Shai Tubali – Kundalini, Chakras & Expansion of Consciousness
Shai contributes awareness of energy systems (Kundalini, chakras, consciousness expansion) and how they may interface with memory phenomena, serving as a bridge between experiential traditions and case analysis.
Satyen Yadav, PhD – Promotion of Reincarnation Research in India & South Asia | Dr. Yadav works in synergy with Dr. Sharma to support translations, regional research collaborations, and outreach to academic and cultural partners in