Sign In

Seth Cohen

Professor at University of California, San Diego

Seth Cohen is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UC San Diego who served as a Program Manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 2019 to 2023.14 He joined DARPA in August 2019 and was part of the agency's Biological Technologies Office.3

Cohen has a diverse background that combines chemistry, policy, and public service:

  1. Academic career: He is a professor at UC San Diego's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a former Department Chair.2

  2. Policy experience: Before joining DARPA, Cohen served as a fellow at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the transition between Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.1

  3. Research focus: At DARPA, Cohen initiated programs aimed at addressing public health threats from viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as tackling water scarcity issues.3

  4. Entrepreneurship: He is the co-founder of three biotechnology startup companies.4

  5. Education: Cohen double-majored in chemistry and political science in college, reflecting his interest in both science and public policy.1

During his time at DARPA, Cohen worked on projects such as the Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE) program, which aimed to develop technology for extracting drinking water from the air.23 He emphasized the importance of science-driven policymaking and encouraged other scientists to consider public service roles.1

Highlights

Feb 2 · youtube.com
"Voices from DARPA" Podcast, Episode 39: The What-if Chemist
"Voices from DARPA" Podcast, Episode 39: The What-if Chemist
Feb 2 · darpa.mil
Episode 39: The What-if Chemist - DARPA
Dec 10 · today.ucsd.edu
On the Frontlines of Science Policymaking - UC San Diego Today
On the Frontlines of Science Policymaking - UC San Diego Today
Extracting drinking water out of thin air is DARPA's latest research ...

Related Questions

What are some of the most innovative projects Seth Cohen has led at DARPA?
How did Seth Cohen's experience at the White House influence his work at DARPA?
What are the main challenges Seth Cohen faces in his role at DARPA?
How does Seth Cohen's background in chemistry contribute to his work at DARPA?
What impact do Seth Cohen's initiatives at DARPA have on human health and well-being?
Seth Cohen
Seth Cohen, photo 1
Seth Cohen, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

San Diego County, California, United States