David M. Rountree  

The Rhine Center is sad to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Steve Baumann, who transitioned from this world in the early morning hours of April 18th. As many of you know, Steve was valiantly fighting a glioblastoma brain tumor this past year, but after 14 months of chemotherapy and healing help by many friends, a second aggressive tumor was discovered that could not be contained. He showed tremendous resolve to lead a normal and happy life throughout this time period, attending and giving talks, continuing with his research, and spending as much time as possible with his two daughters, Elana and Naomi, and his beloved partner, Bonnie. He was deeply devoted to them all. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by loved ones in the comfortable setting of a local Duke hospice.

The Rhine Center and friends celebrated Baumann's 60th birthday with a big party in the Rhine Center library on February 12th, and all were grateful for the chance to celebrate with him, to spend time with him, and to wish for his continued health. In the same spirit of celebration for a life well-lived, a large group convened for a special memorial on Monday evening, April 20th, again at the Rhine Center library. Though we missed him that evening, his presence was felt in the spirit of the community and in the love surrounding his beautiful family.

A biomedical engineer and neurophysiologist, Baumann received a B.S. in psychology (1973), an M.A.T. in teaching science (1974) and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering (1982), all from Duke University. He held adjunct appointments at Duke University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. For many years active in parapsychology research and programs, Steve was most currently engaged in the study of the bioenergy characteristics of healers with his colleague Dr. Bill Joines. He had worked closely with Dr. Joines in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering on developing techniques for the measurement of energy from psychic (i.e. biofield) healers. Additionally, he spent much of his time studying the use of virtual reality (VR) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for medical and education-related applications at Duke University, RTI International, and Psychology Software Tools where he was the Research Director for VR/fMRI. He has been a long-time research associate of the Rhine Research Center and has studied psychic healing, PK and poltergeists. His goal was to utilize the power of science to study the limits of human consciousness.

Baumann's research results and his sincerity and dedication to parapsychology leave a strong legacy, and his passing is a deep loss for our local community. He is survived by his two daughters, Elana and Naomi, his partner, Bonnie Albright, and other members of his extended family. Condolences can be sent to the family at 4523 American Drive, Durham, NC 27705.