معرفی
Rechna Varma serves as Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Associate Chair in the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami's School of Communication. An award-winning creative producer and educator originally from Toronto, Canada, she teaches business-track motion picture courses including Designing Innovation, Interactive Media Business Essentials, and Creative Producing while heading the MFA producing program.
Her academic background features a BA from the University of Windsor, an MBA from the University of Toronto, and a Global Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.
Professor Varma's research integrates film production with business strategy, focusing on creative producing, interactive media development, and authentic storytelling techniques. Her narrative work examines female relationship dynamics through films like DO NOT DISTURB (2023) and MARGARITA (2012), while executive education collaborations with the Herbert Business School apply design thinking for corporate clients including VISA and NBC/Telemundo.
Her accolades span academic and industry recognition:
- 2024 Faculty Learning Community (FLC)
- 2023 School of Communication Creativity and Research Grant
- 2023 Junior Faculty Grant
- 2023 OVPRS Relief Funding
- 2020 Excellence in Civic Engagement Award
- 2018 Faculty Learning Community Fellowship
- 2018 NATPE Education Faculty Fellowship
- Best Lead Performance at Phoenix Fearcon & Atlanta Horror Festival (2023)
- Best Cinematography at NYC Horror Fest (2023)
As academic advisor for the MFA producing track, she mentors graduate students while securing research grants including the 2023 Junior Faculty Grant. Her industry partnerships with the Herbert Business School serve major clients through executive storytelling programs, and she holds trustee positions with the University Film and Video Foundation.
