Who is Natalie Shapero from Jeopardy?

Natalie Shapero is an accomplished poet, professor, and editor based in Los Angeles, California, with a significant presence in contemporary American literature. She currently serves as an English professor at the University of California, Irvine, and previously held the role of Professor of the Practice of Poetry at Tufts University. In these positions, Shapero has guided students through workshops and literature courses, fostering creativity while emphasizing disciplined writing practices.

Beyond teaching, Shapero is editor at large for the Kenyon Review and has contributed to prestigious literary publications including The New Yorker, The Nation, The New Republic, Poetry, and The Progressive. Her editorial and creative work has helped shape the contemporary poetry landscape, providing both guidance and visibility to emerging voices in literature.

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Education and Legal Background
Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Shapero pursued a robust academic path in both creative writing and law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University in 2004, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from Ohio State University in 2008. Expanding her expertise, she obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago in 2011. During this period, Shapero gained experience as a litigation fellow and later as a civil rights lawyer with Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Her legal training complements her poetic work, instilling rigor and precision that inform her writing and teaching.

Poetry and Published Works
Shapero’s poetry is recognized for its emotional intensity, metrical precision, and edgy voice. Her debut collection, “No Object,” was published in 2013, followed by “Hard Child” in 2017, “Popular Longing” in 2021, and her latest book, “Stay Dead,” released in 2025. Her works often explore themes of isolation, human insensitivity, and interactions between people and animals, employing humor and cultural references to craft a distinct poetic voice.

Her contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, Ruth Lilly Fellowship, Kenyon Review Fellowship, and the Great Lakes College Association New Writers Award. These accolades highlight her influence and excellence within the field of contemporary poetry.

Teaching Philosophy and Public Engagement
Shapero’s teaching emphasizes a balance between creativity and structure. She encourages students to explore unconventional sources, including recipes, jokes, song lyrics, and advertisements, integrating these elements into poetic practice. Colleagues note her dynamic approach, combining intellectual rigor with engaging, sometimes provocative, methods that challenge students to expand their literary perspectives.

In addition to her academic work, Shapero actively participates in readings and literary events across the United States, performing at venues such as The Pulitzer Arts Foundation and The Poetry Project at St. Mark’s. These appearances reinforce her commitment to the performance and dissemination of poetry, bridging the gap between written and spoken word.

Personal Background and Influence
Shapero has lived and worked in multiple U.S. cities, including Chester, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; and Boston, Massachusetts, before settling in Los Angeles. Likely of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, her background informs both her creative work and her engagement with cultural and social themes. Her life reflects a dedication to poetry, teaching, and literary community building, positioning her as an influential voice in contemporary American literature.

Through her teaching, editorial work, and award-winning poetry, Natalie Shapero continues to shape the literary landscape, inspiring both readers and writers to engage deeply with the art of poetry.