Robert Spearing

Background and Early Life

Robert Spearing is an American UFO researcher and investigator whose interest in unidentified flying objects began in childhood after reading Frank Edwards' seminal work Flying Saucers, Serious Business during the 1960s. This early fascination evolved into decades-long professional commitment to systematic UFO investigation and analysis.

Spearing graduated from Fordham University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in Communications, with concentrations in Journalism, Advertising, Public Opinion, Propaganda, and Film Production. His educational background positioned him well for careers in both media and investigative work.

Professional Career

Prior to dedicating himself full-time to UFO research, Spearing enjoyed a substantial 34-year career with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, retiring in 2019. During his tenure there, he held multiple technical and operational positions, including Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) licensed Rail Traffic Controller and Locomotive Engineer. His expertise in systems analysis, operations, and investigation procedures from this career would later prove instrumental in his UFO investigative work.

MUFON Career and Leadership

Spearing joined the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in 2014 as a field investigator and has risen through the organization's ranks to become one of its most prominent leaders. His career trajectory within MUFON includes:

Positions Held:

• Field Investigator (2014–present)
• National Director of MUFON Spain
• National Director of MUFON India
• Head of MUFON's Special Assignment Team (SAT), overseeing the organization's most complex and sensitive investigations
• Director of International Investigations, managing all international UFO incident investigations
• MUFON Board of Directors member
• International Development Director

Recognition and Awards:

• Field Investigator of the Year (2017–2018)
• MUFON Volunteer of the Year (2023)

Spearing's role leading the Special Assignment Team represents recognition of his investigative expertise. The SAT is tasked with analyzing and investigating the organization's most challenging and significant cases—incidents that require sophisticated photo analysis, witness corroboration, and cross-institutional coordination.

Investigative Focus and Expertise

Spearing specializes in photographic and video analysis of UAP incidents, having accumulated expertise across thousands of reported cases. His analytical approach combines rigorous photo forensics with structured investigation methodology developed through MUFON's standardized protocols. He has become particularly known for investigating cases involving:

• Mass sighting incidents with multiple independent witnesses
• Military encounters with UAP
• Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs) and underwater phenomena
• "Jellyfish" UAP morphologies and behavior patterns

In November 2025, Spearing published critical analysis examining the methodology and accuracy of recent USO reporting, questioning mainstream media coverage and offering evidence-based corrections to sensationalized narratives circulating about unidentified submarine objects.

Media and Public Communication

Spearing has become a recognized voice in UFO research through extensive media appearances, bringing scientific rigor and investigative methodology to public discourse. His television and podcast appearances include:

Television:

• UFOs: The Lost Evidence (Travel Channel, 4 episodes) – photo analyst
• Ancient Aliens (History Channel, 2023) – featured investigator

Podcasts and Radio:

• UFO Encounters World-Wide (multiple guest appearances)
• UFOs In The News (series featuring Spearing's case analysis)
• Spreaker UFO podcast network
• KSFR Radio (2026 interview)

Through these platforms, Spearing explains complex investigative methodologies and presents case evidence to general audiences, bridging the gap between academic rigor and public interest in UAP phenomena.

Publications and Writing

Spearing has been a contributing writer to several respected UFO research publications, including:

• MUFON Journal (official publication of MUFON)
• Outer Limits Magazine
• Weird N.J. Magazine
• Filer's Files (George Filer's respected weekly compilation)

His writings address case analysis, investigative methodology, and critical examination of UAP claims, maintaining standards of evidence-based discussion within the UFO research community.

Current Work (2025–2026)

As of 2025–2026, Spearing remains actively engaged in high-priority UAP investigations through his leadership positions. His work increasingly focuses on coordinating international investigations and analyzing emerging patterns in recent sightings, particularly regarding USO incidents and unusual UAP morphologies. He continues to advocate for rigorous, evidence-based investigation standards within MUFON and the broader UFO research community.

Spearing's career represents the professionalization of UFO research within established organizations like MUFON, demonstrating how systematic investigation, photographic analysis, and structured methodology can advance understanding of unidentified phenomena.