Robert E. Cohen, the Raymond A. (1921) and Helen E. St. Laurent Professor of Chemical Engineering, Emeritus, passed away peacefully on July 9 at the age of 79 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. His pioneering research significantly shaped the fields of polymers and soft matter, inspiring generations of students. Throughout his over four decades at MIT, Cohen reimagined chemical engineering education, bringing the polymer laboratory course he developed during his postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford to MIT, establishing class 10.467 (Polymer Science Laboratory).
In 1986, Cohen founded the Program in Polymer Science and Technology (PPSM), one of MIT's first interdisciplinary graduate programs, preparing doctoral students for complex challenges in the broad field of polymers and soft materials. He also conceived the unique PhD in Chemical Engineering Practice (PhDCEP), integrating advanced research with industrial experience and business education.
A prolific collaborator, Cohen's research contributions included omniphobic surfaces and block copolymer nanoreactors, establishing him as a leading chemical engineer. However, he often cited his pride in his students' achievements over his scientific discoveries. Raised in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Cohen earned his master's and doctoral degrees from Caltech and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Oxford before joining MIT in 1973.
Cohen co-founded MatTek Corp., bridging advances in biomaterials to practical applications. Among many honors, he cherished the inaugural Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award in 2012, recognizing his leadership in interdisciplinary polymer education. His legacy will continue to inspire future scientists. A memorial service is scheduled for October 17 at the MIT Chapel, with donations in his memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Blogger's Review: Professor Cohen was a pioneer in polymer science and a model educator. His commitment to interdisciplinary education and student mentorship will continue to influence future generations of researchers. His passing is a significant loss to the scientific community, and his contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated.