Shepard is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), in Kenya. His current research focus revolves around Integrated Pest management of Fruit flies, and Tuta absoluta (with a strong bias towards biological control using parasitoids). Two parasitoid species: Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and Fopius arisanus are currently being released in East and Southern Africa for the management of the invasive Bactrocera dorsalis. Shepard is also working on the parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, which has shown great promise in controlling Tuta absoluta. Furthermore, He is undertaking work on developing mechanisms that will ensure the simultaneous use and application of Male annihilation technique (MAT) with Sterile insect technique (SIT). His scope of work goes beyond preharvest as he is currently working on developing protocols for treatment of mangoes, bell pepper and French beans infested with fruit flies, False codling moth and Thrips using hot water treatment to ensure quarantine security. Shepard is currently involved in various donor funded projects on fruit flies, Tuta absoluta, and False codling moths.