Muppidi has received a grant that will enable him to spend seven months in India, where he will conduct research into the Telugu-language film and creative media industries.
“My research will help understand the networks of complexity related to production, distribution, marketing, and exhibition that are enabling these media products to achieve national and global success,” Muppidi says.
He will be based at the University of Hyderabad, where he received his master’s degree in mass communication and television production in 1991. “This award will allow me to teach, partner and explore mutually beneficial projects of interest,” he says. “I am confident my fellowship will also help further the Fulbright mission of public diplomacy and help build future partnerships.”
The Fulbright program is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious educational exchange programs, allowing 800 scholars each year to study, teach, and conduct research in countries outside the U.S.
“We are so proud that Sundeep Muppidi has been selected for this prestigious award as a Fulbright Scholar,” said University of Hartford Provost Katherine Black. “Sundeep has had an illustrious career conducting communication research with an international focus, in collaboration with colleagues all over the world. I look forward to continuing to support his work and hearing the results of his Fulbright project.”
In his more than 25 years at UHart, Muppidi has held a number of leadership roles including Special Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Associate Dean (Academic Planning and Curriculum) in the College of Arts and Sciences, Director of the School of Communication, and Director of the Graduate Program in Communication. In 2021, he was honored with the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg award for distinguished service to the University.
A prolific scholar and media producer, Muppidi has authored, co-authored or edited books and articles, worked on numerous media productions, and given more than 80 conference presentations and invited talks. His research interests are in international communication and communication for social change and empowerment. He received his doctoral degree in mass communication from Bowling Green State University in 1999.