Jonathan Shaw
Jonathan Shaw is Managing Editor of Harvard Magazine. A graduate of Harvard College, he has worked at the magazine since 1990, following an earlier role at MIT. Over the decades, he has written widely on science, technology, health, and the humanities.
After covering the 2002 SARS epidemic in depth, Jon became the first journalist writing for a general audience to report that both SARS-CoV and the closely related SARS-CoV-2—the virus behind COVID-19—use the same receptor to enter human cells. He later shared the behind-the-scenes story of how that article came together. His 2004 feature on the benefits of exercise, “The True Magic Pill,” remains one of the most-read pieces on harvardmagazine.com, although his playful answer to “Who Built the Pyramids” is also a perennial favorite.
For more than twenty years, Jon has explored a wide range of topics—from stem cell science and climate change to big data and legal issues such as the role of habeas corpus in the war on terror. His early feature on digital privacy helped introduce the concept of “surveillance capitalism” to general readers. Most recently, he audited a course on understanding and using generative AI to inform his reporting on that rapidly evolving field.
His work has been anthologized in collections of the best science writing and is frequently used in college and university classrooms.
Jon is known for his meticulous approach to journalism. He clearly identifies Harvard Magazine as an editorially independent publication during interviews and carefully fact-checks his work before publication. He refrains from political speech in public forums and strives to present opposing viewpoints fairly and accurately when covering controversial subjects.
Harvard’s New Online Orientation Emphasizes Intellectual Paths
A summer course for first-years focuses on academic success, diverse viewpoints.
Harvard Panel Debunks the Population Implosion Myth
Public health professors parse the evidence surrounding falling U.S. birth rates.
Harvard’s Summer in Court
What Columbia’s settlement means for the University
The School of Public Health, Facing a Financial Reckoning, Seizes the Chance to Reinvent Itself
Dean Andrea Baccarelli plans for a smaller, more impactful Chan School of 2030.
Letters from Readers About Harvard’s Standoff with the Trump Administration
Harvard Magazine readers respond to Harvard’s standoff with the Trump administration.
Thomas Andrew “Tom” Lehrer
The mathematician and satirist kept Harvard in his thoughts—and lyrics.
International Scholars and Students Targeted—Again
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces fresh investigation into Harvard’s participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.
Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come
In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.
Harvard Plans Contingencies for International Students
The Kennedy School and School of Public Health are developing online options.
Isaac Kohlberg to Step Down as Head of Harvard Technology Development
Partnerships and licensing office could become more critical as funding cuts loom
Harvard Commencement 2025
Harvard passes a test of its values, yet challenges loom.
How Will Federal Actions Affect Harvard’s Finances?
Putting Harvard’s $53 billion endowment into perspective