Cassie is a renowned research scientist in soil chemistry. Cassie specialised in soil chemistry and soil-plant interactions, completing a GRDC-funded PhD with Monash University on the interactions between carbon and fertilisers to improve nutrient availability in acid soils. Further research was conducted on understanding how nutrients and soil interact using synchrotron techniques, identifying mechanisms to improve nutrient supply, and determining the impact of source and process on the quality of organic amendments.

After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) in 1999 at The University of Melbourne, Cassie was employed by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), Victoria as a research scientist in soil chemistry. 

In 2014 Cassie left DEPI to establish ‘Schefe Consulting’, and to continue working with farmers. Within ‘Schefe Consulting’ (now AgriSci Pty Ltd) Cassie has partnered with a range of fertiliser and mining companies to develop and field test new fertiliser products, conducted synchrotron research with the University of New England and Southern Cross University, supervised PhD students at Monash and Melbourne University, worked with councils and water authorities to manage waste products, and advised corporate farming entities on the management of soil constraints.