Eric Shepherd

Eric Shepherd is an Associate Professor of Chinese at the University of South Florida's Department of World Languages. He holds a PhD in Chinese Language Pedagogy from The Ohio State University (2007). His research focuses on integrating language instruction with cultural storytelling, memory, and lived experiences to enhance intercultural communication skills.

Dr. Shepherd has authored influential works such as Real Life Chinese (2019) and Eat Shandong (2005), and edited Selections from the Four Books and Five Classics (2014). His research articles explore topics like Shandong oral traditions, rhetorical strategies in storytelling, and cultural pedagogy. He has developed nationally recognized study abroad programs, including the University of South Florida's Chinese Learning in the Culture (CLIC) Program, which won a 2013 IIE Andrew Heiskell Award nomination.

In 2010, he received the Outstanding Chinese Teacher award from the Chinese Consulate in Houston for preparing students for the Chinese Bridge Competition. His students consistently achieve high proficiency levels, with 11 placing in the Chinese Bridge Competition—most notably John Klumpp, the 2018 North American Champion.

His work bridges academic research with practical education, emphasizing cultural immersion through storytelling, food studies, and ritual analysis. He actively contributes to Chinese language learning materials development and intercultural competency frameworks.