Bio

RJ Vasquez (he/him) is a PhD student in Religious Studies at Stanford University. His research focuses on the history of American religions and gives particular attention to spiritual life, migration, labor, and the modern state. He is especially interested in spiritual life as a medium of historical agency.

Raised in California’s Central Valley, RJ earned an associate’s degree at Bakersfield College and a bachelor’s degree at California State University, Bakersfield. He completed a master’s degree in theological studies at Harvard University before beginning his doctoral studies at Stanford.

RJ is also interested in digital humanities and directs a museum and archive revitalization project in his hometown of Wasco, California, where he works to add diversity and accessibility to his community’s shared history.

Honors & Awards

  • EDGE Doctoral Fellowship, Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences (2025)
  • Dean’s Scholar Fellowship, Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences (2025)

Education & Certifications

  • MTS, Harvard University, Religious Studies (2024)
  • BA, California State University, Bakersfield, History and Religious Studies Double Major (2022)
  • AA, Bakersfield College, History and Liberal Studies Double Major (2019)

Contact

  • Academic
    rjvas@stanford.edu
    University - Student Department: Religious Studies Position: Graduate