David Lowden

David Lowden is an Associate Professor within the Academy of Film & Creative Technology whose research connects artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, creative labour and contemporary screen cultures. He is a former network television producer, reporter and presenter, with extensive experience in live television, in both a studio environment and outside broadcasts. His PhD, awarded with commendation, examined how high performance cultures constuct and constrain the expression of individual identity.

Nancy Millis Award for doctoral theses of exceptional merit.

Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching (Student Employability)

David's current research explores how gender identities are represented and contested, how creative practitioners build sustainable careers, and how emerging technologies reshape both processes and outcomes.

Current research projects:

·  Masculinity, gender norms, and high-performance cultures

·  Visual representation and ethics in documentary and ethnographic photography

·  Short film festivals ecosystems, and film-maker value creation

·  AI in higher education: learning design, assessment, and student decision-making

·  Media ethics, privacy, and algorithmic amplification

David is leading an applied research project on AI-enabled learning design, focusing on how decision-making, reflection, and assessment can be restructured in entrepreneurship education.

David welcomes applications for PhD supervision.

David Lowden is an award-winning educator with more than fifteen years of university teaching experience across journalism, media production, sports management, creative entrepreneurship and storytelling. He previously served as Head of Curriculum (2012–2015) at La Trobe University, where he established biannual staff forums to review, refine and share effective teaching practices in collaboration with Learning & Teaching specialists.

David consistently achieves above-Faculty-average student feedback, with students highlighting the clarity, organisation, inclusiveness and industry authenticity of his teaching. His practice-based pedagogy incorporates role-play, Harkness methods, media engagement simulations, live press conferences, field trips and industry guest speakers. In 2015, he received a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching (Student Employability).

He has taught more than 20 modules across three universities and is committed to helping creative students develop confidence, agency and sustainable career pathways. David holds the Melbourne Certificate of Higher Education Teaching and is completing the PGCert HE with the University of Liverpool.

David Lowden has more than two decades of professional experience in creative industries practice. Before joining academia, he worked extensively as a television producer, reporter and presenter across major Australian networks. 

Beyond broadcasting, David has been a business owner and investor, held senior leadership roles as a direct report to the CEO, and been a member of advisory boards for not-for-profit organisations.