Carlos Salvador Alvarado (March 9, 1955 - July 16, 2021) was a researcher, educator, and author in the field of parapsychology. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Puerto Rico when his father was called back to serve in a governmental position. Alvarado received a BA in psychology at the University of Puerto Rico in 1978. He was awarded a MSc in parapsychology by John F Kennedy University in 1981, an MA in History by Duke University in 1989, and a PhD in psychology by the University of Edinburgh in 1997.

He wrote extensively on the histories of psychology, psychiatry, and psychical research. Other research areas included out-of-body experiences and other anomalous phenomena.

In the early part of his career, 1982 to 1986, Alvarado worked as a Research Assistant in the Division of Parapsychology, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, at the University of Virginia. Here he began a close association and friendship with Dr. Ian Stevenson.

Alvarado authored the book, Charles Richet: A Nobel Prize Winning Scientist's Exploration of Psychic Phenomena (2019); edited several others; co-produced the journal, Explorando Lo Paranormal; and wrote numerous articles. He was rigorously involved in professional organizations, serving as president of the Parapsychological Association (1995, 2002-2003), the Asociación Iberoamericana de Parapsicología (1995-1998), and the Southeastern Regional Parapsychological Association (1986).

Alvarado was married to Nancy L. Zingrone with whom he collaborated in much of his professional work.

Alvarado received many awards such as the 2010 Parapsychological Association’s Outstanding Contribution Award, the Parapsychological Association 2017 Outstanding Career Award, and the 2010 Harold and Sherry Crasilneck Award for Best First Paper on Hypnosis published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.

Carlos S. Alvarado died on July 16, 2021, at his home in Carrboro, North Carolina.