#  Luke Shaw 

Student Assistant, Transcendentalism Initiative

 

 

 



   ![Luke Shaw](/sites/g/files/omnuum4346/files/styles/hwp_4_5__320x400/public/2026-10/Luke.png?itok=7hpDUwPM) 

 



 

 email <lukeshaw@hds.harvard.edu> 

 



 

Luke (MTS ’28) is honored to join the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) in supporting the Transcendentalism Initiative. Transcendentalism holds particular significance for Luke, as he recalls that his first reading of Henry David Thoreau in high school was the nexus of spiritual and academic exploration in his life. Luke graduated from the College of Charleston in 2024 with a BA in English (creative writing) and a minor in religious studies. His research interests lie in numinous experiences; Christianity as a tool for suppression and liberation; and music in religious traditions.

In March 2024, Luke presented his capstone, “Holy Spirits and Holy Drugs: Christian Drug Use and the Condemnation of Addicts,” at the American Academy of Religion’s Southeast Conference.

Luke has worked as a teaching assistant in a special education class, furthering his passion for investing in and lending a voice to communities on the margins of society.



 

 

 





 

 

- ## Role
    
     [Research Assistants](/role/research-assistants)