Dr. Paul Plucinsky

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Paul Plucinsky joined the faculty in the USC Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering as an Assistant Professor in January of 2020. Prior to USC, Paul was a Postdoctoral Scholar in Aerospace Engineering Mechanics at the University of Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology in 2017 and holds both a Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering respectively from the University of Michigan, earned in 2011. Paul Plucinsky's research interests lie in interface solid mechanics, materials science, and mathematics. Broadly, he aims to develop theories that capture the interplay of geometry in complex (active architectured) material behavior, using these theories to make predictions relevant to the design of new materials, structures, and devices. His applied theory-guided approach covers a range of topics including nematic elastomer sheets, origami design, shape-memory alloys, and phase transitions in nano-structures.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2020-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Joined the faculty in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

Postdoctoral Scholar

— Present

University of Minnesota •

Worked in Aerospace Engineering Mechanics.

Awards

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Centennial Prize Thesis

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NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship

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.