Deborah Lee-Ferrand

Deborah Lee-Ferrand is an Associate Teaching Professor of French Studies at William & Mary, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences’ Department of Modern Languages & Literatures. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in French Studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and an M.A. in English Studies from Université Montpellier III, France.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in French Studies, University of Minnesota
  • M.A. in French Studies, University of Minnesota
  • M.A. in English Studies, Université Montpellier III

Her research explores food and literature, focusing on France’s influence in Francophone culinary traditions and how Sub-Saharan African creators resist French hegemony through cultural reclaiming. Key interests include gender studies, cinema, and medieval to modern Francophone literatures.

Research Trends: Her work bridges food studies and postcolonial resistance, emphasizing cultural heritage and literary analysis. Recent articles highlight culinary narratives and medieval-to-modern literary shifts.

• Awards:
  • Most Dedicated Professor Award (2019)
  • Thank-A-Teacher Community Impact Award (2025)

Advising & Mentorship: Passionate about mentoring through FGLI and Posse Foundation (Gold Team 5). Current projects include developing innovative language-teaching methods.

Labs/Teams: Actively involved with the French House program and language education initiatives.