Sarah Cohen

C. Sarah Cohen is a Professor in the Biology Department at San Francisco State University (SFSU), where she has been since 2003. She leads the Cohen Lab, focusing on evolutionary ecology and genetics in marine and estuarine systems. Her research examines how ecological and environmental factors shape genetic diversity and evolution in diverse organisms, with a special emphasis on population structure, marine conservation, and recognition systems in colonial invertebrates and vertebrates. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

**Education:**

• Ph.D., University of Washington

**Research Interests:**

Dr. Cohen explores the interplay between environmental stressors and genetic adaptation in marine populations, particularly in species facing anthropogenic impacts. Her work includes studies on invasive species (e.g., Didemnum vexillum), population genetics of sea stars, and the evolution of symbiotic relationships. She uses molecular tools and ecological surveys to address questions in marine conservation biology, such as predicting species resilience to habitat changes and pollution.

**Publications:**

Her recent work highlights trends in genetic diversity analysis of marine mammals (e.g., Irrawaddy dolphins), phylogenetic studies of ascidians, and the impacts of sea star wasting disease. She also investigates the challenges and innovations in remote undergraduate research, reflecting her commitment to pedagogical adaptation.

**Students and Advising:**

• Guided over 30 graduate and undergraduate students in research projects.
• Focus areas include genomics, marine ecology, and conservation biology.

**Laboratory and Collaborations:**

The Cohen Lab is based at the Estuary and Ocean Science Center on SFSU’s Romberg Tiburon Campus. Collaborations span institutions like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and universities globally. Current projects include studies on MHC variation in fish populations and the genetic basis of contaminant tolerance.