In 1987, he received a PhD degree with distinction from the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations of the University of Chicago.
"[5] Since 1985, Lutgendorf has taught at the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literature of the University of Iowa.
In 2014, he received the Fulbright-Hays fellowship for research on the cultural history of chai (tea) in India.
"[7] Dr. Lutgendorf received the Tulsi Award by Pujya Morari Bapu on June 25, 2017, in Estes Park, CO.
The Tulsi Award is typically presented on the day of Tulsi Jayanti (the birth date of Goswāmi Tulsidās) and recognises the lineage of those who recite kathas – their efforts to preserve the teachings of the scriptures and maintain the traditions of India.