Andrea Cassin

Dr Andrea Cassin serves as Lecturer and Professional Placement Lead in the Media and Communication department at the University of Newcastle's School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. With 17 years of institutional experience since 2007, she spearheads industry partnerships for student work-integrated learning and placement programs across undergraduate degrees including Media, Creative Industries, and Digital Media.

Her academic credentials include a PhD in Communication and Media Arts from the University of Newcastle (2021), a Master in Media Science and Applied Communication with high distinction from Universitat Hannover, and Certificate IV qualifications in Assessment and Workplace Training and Training and Assessment. Her doctoral research examined community engagement in renewable energy through public relations theory.

Cassin's research integrates practical applications with environmental and health communication, focusing on co-creation methodologies and emerging technologies. She leads industry-funded projects addressing real-world challenges through strategic communication frameworks, with particular emphasis on community-driven solutions for urban spaces, conservation, and public health awareness. Her work bridges academic theory with professional practice in public relations and digital media engagement.

Analysis of her publication history reveals consistent interdisciplinary focus on community-centered environmental communication, with increasing integration of augmented reality and digital platforms since 2016. Her projects demonstrate evolution from theoretical public relations studies toward applied urban design and health communication initiatives involving multi-stakeholder collaborations with government bodies, Aboriginal land councils, and community organizations.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• UON Engagement Excellence Award for Industry Engagement (2022)
• Good Design Australia Award for Newcastle City Night-Space Activation (2022)
• Faculty Excellence Award for Festival X Team (2019)
• Outstanding Postgraduate Student Achievement Award (2013)
• DVC(A) Merit List for Teaching Excellence (2019)
• Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2009)

Cassin has secured $379,118 across 12 competitive grants, primarily funding community-engaged projects like the organ donation awareness campaign ($73,118) and Newcastle City Night-Space Activation ($168,000). She has supervised 7 research students including PhD candidates examining climate change perceptions and social media dynamics, with all completed theses achieving First Class Honours. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strategic alignment with industry needs through FASTLab and College of Human and Social Futures initiatives.

As a core FASTLab member and College of Human and Social Futures board participant (2021), she leads transdisciplinary teams developing innovative urban interventions. Her current leadership of the Professional Placement program and Blue Heeler Film Festival scholarship initiative demonstrates ongoing commitment to connecting academic training with creative industry practice through structured work-integrated learning frameworks.