Aaron J. Sheppard, a native of Benton, Louisiana, spent most of his higher education in North Louisiana. During his time there, he pursued his degree in Biomedical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University while playing baseball. His background in sports, interest in biomechanics, and experience in MSK biologic research led him to obtain his MD from Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Shreveport, with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Aaron is passionate about integrating biomechanical, advanced medical imaging, and basic science research in orthopedics. He completed a competitive skeletal biology internship at the Brigham Research Institute in Boston, MA, and a yearlong fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. Currently, he is pursuing a multidisciplinary approach to orthopedic research at the University of Florida (UF) and aims to become a surgeon-scientist.

In his free time, Aaron enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing recreational softball. He married his high school sweetheart, Madison, and they love traveling and taking long walks with their Rottweiler, Roxy. They are thrilled to not only grow their professional careers in Gainesville but also start their family.