Lakshmi N. Tirumala

Associate Professor, Digital Media Production

Lakshmi N. Tirumala (you can address him as either “Luhksh-mee” or “LT”) teaches in the area of Digital Media Production at Drake University. Prior to joining the SJMC faculty, Lakshmi taught at SUNY Plattsburgh and University of Cincinnati. He predominantly teaches courses that focus on digital film/video production, graphic designing, and television studio production.

Lakshmi has over 13 years of experience in nonlinear editing. Many of the short narrative films and short form documentaries that Lakshmi edited were screened at a number of prestigious film festivals. Besides editing, Lakshmi also has extensive experience in digital filmmaking. He frequently collaborates with independent filmmakers to co-write, shoot, and direct short form narrative fiction. Lakshmi also has a great passion for digital cinematography and continues to study and learn newer cinematic techniques.

Lakshmi’s research is in the areas of media accessibility, and media effects. He frequently collaborates with external faculty members to study the adaptation and implementation of web accessibility, closed captioning, audio descriptions, etc. Lakshmi won top honors in research competitions at various academic conferences. He is currently researching into the effectiveness of audio descriptions and transportation experiences.

Lakshmi is a long-time active member of Broadcast Education Association conference. He is currently the co-chair of Interactive Media and Emerging Technologies Division of BEA. He is also on the executive board of governors for Upper Midwest Emmy chapter. Lakshmi has two master’s degrees in media and communications with concentration in film and television production.

Lakshmi also loves coding and frequently mentors web designing students with their portfolio work. He also shares his expertise by conducting workshops on various aspects of film making, and judging short film competitions. Many of Lakshmi’s students won numerous awards for their production work from nationally recognized film festivals, National Academy of Television and Sciences, The National Electronic Media Association to name a few.

Last but not the least, Lakshmi is an avid photographer and a firm believer of “it’s not the camera but who’s behind it.” He loves playing racquetball, closely follows the tennis season and finds cooking meditating.

Contact Information

Email: lakshmi.tirumala@drake.edu
Phone: 515-271-4527
Address: 2507 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311

Office: Meredith 114
Office Hours: Monday - 12-1 p.m. & 2-3 p.m., Tuesday - 1-2 p.m. & 4-5 p.m., Wednesday - 12-1 p.m. & 2-3 p.m., Thursday - 1-2 p.m. & 4-5 p.m., Friday - 10-11:30 a.m.