Dr. Amy Rechenmacher

Professor

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Biography

After receiving her Master's degree in Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering from Cornell University, Dr. Rechenmacher worked for three years in geotechnical engineering practice at Nicholson Construction Company and Woodward-Clyde Consultants. She obtained her PhD in Geotechnical Engineering in 2000 and spent four years as an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University before joining USC in 2005. Her research interests focus on the experimental study of micromechanical processes that govern strain localization in sands, earthquake faulting, soil liquefaction, and the failure flow of granular materials. In 2013, Dr. Rechenmacher transitioned to full-time teaching, with current interests in implementing Active Learning and Engaged Learning Techniques in Engineering Education. She teaches courses in engineering mechanics, geotechnical engineering, foundation design, geotechnical earthquake engineering, retaining structures, and slope stability, along with an introduction to engineering courses. Dr. Rechenmacher is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2000-01-01 — 2004-01-01

Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, MD

Worked in the field of Geotechnical Engineering.

Director, Undergraduate Programs

2005-01-01 — Present

Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering • Los Angeles, CA

Responsible for overseeing undergraduate educational programs.

Awards

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National Science Foundation CAREER Grant Award

2008-01-01
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ARCS Foundation Scholar

1999-01-01
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GE Faculty of the Future Internship

1999-01-01
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ARCS Foundation Scholar

1998-01-01
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Walter P. Murphy Fellowship

1996-01-01
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NSF Undergraduate Research Fellow

1990-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science
Application Checklist
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE General scores
  • TOEFL scores (International)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
Specialization Notes

Requires general GRE for all graduate degrees.