Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director, Broadcast Network Engineering
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-277-9798
Mike Cassara joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics in May of 2024 as the Director of Broadcast Network Engineering, overseeing the transition of traditional baseband television and media systems to cutting-edge media over IP systems.
Cassara provides engineering support for all of Pitt Studios’ technical operations, including systems design and technical implementations of new initiatives and technologies alongside day-to-day operations. With a major industry-wide shift towards network-based technologies such as SMPTE ST-2110, Cassara provides design, implementation, and maintenance services to ensure that these transitions remain smooth at Pitt.
Before arriving at Pitt, Cassara worked for Wilton Public Schools where he was responsible for providing engineering support for four television studios, in which he also designed multiple systems including a mobile television fly-pack unit, alongside his production responsibilities at the district level. He also served an internship at NEP Group Inc., a global leader in broadcast engineering services headquartered in Pittsburgh where he predominantly assisted with media over IP services, including NEP’s global transit capabilities.
Cassara graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering in 2024 with his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with an Autonomous Systems concentration. During his time as a student, he served as an engineering shadow for Pitt Studios for three years. He chose an industry-related senior design project of designing and building a digital audio mixer.
A Wilton, Connecticut native, Cassara currently resides in Oakland.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
There is no feeling like watching the sun set behind the skyscrapers of downtown on a cool, autumn night from atop a press box at the Petersen Sports Complex.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
In Pittsburgh, watching Pitt defeat Clemson in 2021 with Kenny Pickett at the helm. Outside Pittsburgh, watching the 2021 ACC championship with my father, a Wake Forest graduate.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
Having all the excitement of working in live sports with exceptional teams, while still being able to go home and sleep in my own bed at night.
Hobbies outside of work?
I love skiing during the winter, to the extent of having raced in high school, when the conditions are favorable. During the summer I enjoy pick-up games of ultimate frisbee and golfing. When the weather is less favorable, I have been trying to watch every movie on IMDB’s Top 250 list at least once.
