In Memoriam: Cohen, Paul S.
(1939-2021)
Paul S. Cohen, Emeritus Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Rhode Island, passed away Feb. 21, 2021.
Paul was born in Boston on January 20, 1939. He obtained his BA degree from Brandeis University in 1960 and Ph.D. from Boston University in 1965. Although Paul was recruited by different universities, he accepted a faculty position in Microbiology at the University of Rhode Island, where he spent his entire career of over 50 years.
Paul’s many scientific achievements included studies focused on the mechanisms of intestinal colonization by bacteria. He was the first to show that in order to colonize, bacterial cells must adhere to receptors in the mucous layer, penetrate the mucous layer, and utilize available nutrients in the mucous. In recent years, Paul turned his focus towards uropathogens, where he discovered that the bacteria enter a quiescent, antibiotic-tolerant state, which may mimic bacterial quiescence in the human bladder. This may explain why these bacteria are difficult to eradicate and could lead to effective strategies to mitigate urinary tract infections. Paul also had a deep, longstanding interest in transcription-translation and translation-messenger RNA decay, showing that these mechanisms are coupled during protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells.
Paul’s teaching legacy was legendary and inspiring, with classroom lectures that were memorable and challenged students to think critically. He brought a variety of research topics into the classroom, and using a discussion format, prompted students to think about the experimental approach, as well as the interpretation of the data. Paul trained 32 graduate students. He worked alongside many valued coworkers, collaborators and friends, and was a member of ASM for 55 years, in addition to serving as a member of numerous editorial boards. Paul was appreciated as an exceptionally gifted mentor to his students, collaborators and colleagues. Throughout his career, he gave advice freely and in the most helpful and supportive way. He encouraged others to think rigorously and positively about their research. His trainees and colleagues universally felt that their scientific careers were positively impacted by the mentorship that they received from him.
Paul maintained long-term and consistent funding in the form of U.S. and foreign research grants for his entire career, a testament to his decades of pivotal work and esteem by other scientists.
He was a very dedicated Red Sox fan in spite of their periods of poor performance, but he was steadfast and made sure that everyone knew it.
______________
Note from Authors: “It is with a heavy heart that the friends and associates of Paul S. Cohen write this short obituary in honor of him. We, of course, cannot write in this short document all of his attributes and achievements, because there are many scientific and personal ones. We hope that what we write will give you a flavor of the man. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Cathy Trebino and his children. We will miss you, Paul.”
Written and Submitted by:
Herbert Ennis
With Contributions By:
Stephen Boyle
Jeffrey Morse
Bruce Zetter
Kevin Lynch
Diane Pennica
Lynn Myhal
Marcia Walsh
Craig Rosen
Jodi Camberg
Paul was born in Boston on January 20, 1939. He obtained his BA degree from Brandeis University in 1960 and Ph.D. from Boston University in 1965. Although Paul was recruited by different universities, he accepted a faculty position in Microbiology at the University of Rhode Island, where he spent his entire career of over 50 years.
Paul’s many scientific achievements included studies focused on the mechanisms of intestinal colonization by bacteria. He was the first to show that in order to colonize, bacterial cells must adhere to receptors in the mucous layer, penetrate the mucous layer, and utilize available nutrients in the mucous. In recent years, Paul turned his focus towards uropathogens, where he discovered that the bacteria enter a quiescent, antibiotic-tolerant state, which may mimic bacterial quiescence in the human bladder. This may explain why these bacteria are difficult to eradicate and could lead to effective strategies to mitigate urinary tract infections. Paul also had a deep, longstanding interest in transcription-translation and translation-messenger RNA decay, showing that these mechanisms are coupled during protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells.
Paul’s teaching legacy was legendary and inspiring, with classroom lectures that were memorable and challenged students to think critically. He brought a variety of research topics into the classroom, and using a discussion format, prompted students to think about the experimental approach, as well as the interpretation of the data. Paul trained 32 graduate students. He worked alongside many valued coworkers, collaborators and friends, and was a member of ASM for 55 years, in addition to serving as a member of numerous editorial boards. Paul was appreciated as an exceptionally gifted mentor to his students, collaborators and colleagues. Throughout his career, he gave advice freely and in the most helpful and supportive way. He encouraged others to think rigorously and positively about their research. His trainees and colleagues universally felt that their scientific careers were positively impacted by the mentorship that they received from him.
Paul maintained long-term and consistent funding in the form of U.S. and foreign research grants for his entire career, a testament to his decades of pivotal work and esteem by other scientists.
He was a very dedicated Red Sox fan in spite of their periods of poor performance, but he was steadfast and made sure that everyone knew it.
______________
Note from Authors: “It is with a heavy heart that the friends and associates of Paul S. Cohen write this short obituary in honor of him. We, of course, cannot write in this short document all of his attributes and achievements, because there are many scientific and personal ones. We hope that what we write will give you a flavor of the man. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Cathy Trebino and his children. We will miss you, Paul.”
Written and Submitted by:
Herbert Ennis
With Contributions By:
Stephen Boyle
Jeffrey Morse
Bruce Zetter
Kevin Lynch
Diane Pennica
Lynn Myhal
Marcia Walsh
Craig Rosen
Jodi Camberg