The Office of Engagement Welcomes Graduate Student Cassandra (Cassie) Apuzzo
The Office of Engagement is pleased to welcome Cassandra (Cassie) Apuzzo. Cassie is currently a graduate student in Purdue University’s Department of Anthropology. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2021 and has since built a strong foundation in community-engaged research and public scholarship.
Her current research explores the relationship between people and metal production during the French Fur Trade era at Fort Ouiatenon, an 18th-century French trading post located in present-day West Lafayette. Specifically, her work examines the role of blacksmithing and iron production, and how these activities shaped economic and cultural relationships throughout the Midwest. Throughout her academic career, Cassie has collaborated with local communities to develop projects centered on uncovering and sharing local history. She has also led and participated in numerous public engagement workshops designed to make archaeological research accessible and meaningful to broader audiences.
In her new role with the Office of Engagement, Cassie will work alongside Lisa Duncan and Ashley Sanders to help coordinate Purdue’s annual United Way campaign. She will support campaign communications and activities that advance the work of the United Way of Greater Lafayette and its funded partners. In addition, she will contribute to a variety of Office of Engagement initiatives, including the Purdue United Way Board Fellows Program and the Community Impact Summit, while also representing the office at community meetings and outreach events.
When asked about her goals in the role, Cassie emphasized her desire to learn from her colleagues and the broader community. Through her graduate work, she has partnered closely with the Tippecanoe County Historical Association (TCHA) to build meaningful research collaborations and engage community members through public events. She looks forward to expanding her skills as part of the Office of Engagement team and continuing to advance impactful, scholarly engagement.
I love the work the OoE does to connect Purdue and our local community together. My values align well with OoE’s mission to foster reciprocal relationships with external partners and Purdue. I want to help continue the valuable work the OoE does in any way I can!
As she begins her new role, Cassie is especially excited about strengthening her connections to both the Purdue and Greater Lafayette communities. Having moved to Lafayette for graduate school, she has experienced firsthand the unique sense of community that defines the area and is eager to learn more about the many partnerships that enrich the region.
Outside of work and research, Cassie enjoys needlepointing, spending time with friends, and relaxing on the beach when visiting family and friends in Connecticut. She also volunteers at Natalie’s Second Chance Dog Shelter in Lafayette, where she enjoys taking dogs for walks and getting plenty of puppy cuddles. Please join us in welcoming Cassie to the Office of Engagement. We are excited to have her on the team and look forward to the contributions she will make to Purdue and our community partners.