Dr. Thomas Petersen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Thomas Petersen is an Assistant Professor in the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California, having joined in Fall 2022. Prior to his appointment, he spent several years as a Senior Research Engineer at ExxonMobil, where he developed technologies to improve the integrity of wells during construction and operation. He specializes in composite fluid solid systems, particularly in reducing pressure stress developments in confined, high-temperature, high-pressure environments. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanics of Materials and a Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, following his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from North Carolina State University.

Research Interests

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.