NOTE: This page is still a work in progress, please feel free to share any remarks, photos, or stories about Andy with Communications Specialist McKenzie Meza (mim4@arizona.edu(link sends e-mail))
Dr. Andrew "Andy" Cohen
University Distinguished Professor, Joint Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Paleolimnology Paleoecology
Deceased February 5th, 2025
Expertise Paleolimnology, the interpretation of lake history from sedimentary and paleontological records. Most of his work and that of his students involved studies of paleoecology, depositional environments, climate and environmental history of the African Rift Lakes and the arid climate paleolakes of the western US. Andy used paleoecological and sedimentological records, particularly from ostracode crustaceans, as primary tools in the interpretation of lake deposits, from both outcrops and sediment cores.
From Distinguished Professor Joellen Russell:
"I am so so sorry to tell you that we lost our dear friend, amazing scientist and Distinguished Professor Andy Cohen last night to his battle with pancreatic cancer. Andy was home with his family when he passed. I know this will come as a shock to everyone since he was valiantly researching, teaching and serving here with us in his awesome colorful shirts until just a moment ago. Andy’s family has requested to keep his memorial service very small, but we will have a gathering soon to celebrate Andy’s life. We are also starting, at Andy’s request of course, the 'Andy Cohen Broadening Access' scholarship and will share details soon. Support each other, awesome geo family, in our shared grief - Andy would want it that way."
This is a big loss for the Department of Geosciences as Andy made great strides in the fields of Paleoclimatology and Paleoecology and positively influenced the lives of so many people, faculty, staff, and students alike. Andy boasted an impressive resume, with nearly 200 scholarly publications, multiple awards, professional society memberships, and much more. Most recently, Andy was awarded the Dinstinguished Professor Award “for his exemplary contributions to research, teaching, and mentoring at the University of Arizona.” (see full story)
Pictured: Andy and Debbie Cohen at the 2024 Galileo Circle Awards.
“For most of his career he has focused on understanding the ecosystem histories of both modern and now-extinct lakes in the African Rift Valley and in western North America. He is a leader in the application of Continental Scientific Drilling for obtaining long (hundreds of meters) drill cores from large, ancient lakes to obtain records of past climate and the evolution of species and biological communities in lakes. He is the author of “Paleolimnology: History and Evolution of Lake Systems” (Oxford U. Press), the leading text-reference book in this field.” (Galileo Circle Fellows 2024 Announcement)
Below are some memories shared by Geosciences faculty, staff, and students celebrating his life.
“Andy never met a lake he didn’t like. No, that’s not right: Andy never met a lake he didn’t love. Any continent, anywhere. He loved ‘em for what they could tell us about the environments of human evolution, about changing climates, about the nature of the fossil record, and about human impacts on lakes. Andy thrived on both the BIG SCIENCE and the little science of lakes. But, maybe most of all, Andy loved lakes for the opportunities they provide for students – students here, around the world, and especially those in Africa. Sure, Andy was a lake guy, but his legacy is the students whose lives he shaped.” - Karl Flessa, Professor Emeritus of Geosciences
Pictured: Andy, Pete Decelles, and Barbara Carrapa skiing at Sunrise in the White Mountains of northern AZ.
“Andy loved skiing (especially nasty black runs with mogules) and each year we tried to spend a weekend together skiing in northern AZ. He was a great friend in and out of the office and he will be greatly missed. The department won’t be the same without him.” - Barbara Carrapa, Professor of Geosciences
Here are some photos shared by Assistant Professor Kaustubh 'Kau' Thirumalai, who worked very closely with Andy.
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"I was privileged to work with Andy on the C2C program. This program really highlighted Andy's passion and dedication to his students, his love of geosciences and his desire to create opportunity for the youth of Arizona. His dedication to our department had him stepping in consistently to help where needed with such a grace and with so much kindness. His casual, friendly smile will be missed in room 208 but, we will keep his spirit alive in our everyday kindness to each other and to our community." - Pat Waters, Geosciences Business Manager
"I had the privilege to work with Andy for 24 years and not only during that time did my collection of trinkets from his travels grow, but so did my appreciation for Andy’s enthusiasm, empathy, and kindness. The respect that he continually showed to our staff was beyond measure. He would go out of his way to make things as seamless for us in our day to day as he possibly could and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, never complaining about the ever-growing changes to the rules. His bright colored shirts lit up the room and his sense of humor made him especially fun to work with. Our staff will miss working with Andy on all his adventurous projects. I have met few faculty like Andy, and our department will miss him tremendously." - Heather Alvarez, Grant and Contract Admin III
"Here are several departmental folks in happier times - an event that Andy rallied us to go to!" - Pete Reiners, Professor of Geosciences
"When I started here in Geosciences nobody knew what Anne Chase did in the graduate coordinator position. Andy was one of the faculty members who approached me to help me with anything that I might need. He offered me old graduate templates that would help me with admissions. He also was working on the assessment and sat with me to help me understand what we were doing. He was always positive and willing to assist with anything that was needed in the graduate program. I enjoyed working with Andy because he was structured and organized with process. He was enthusiastic and always willing to help out. I remember the last graduate admissions event. He walked into my office and asked me if I needed any help setting up the breakfast in the lobby. I said no, and he told me it starts at 8:30 am, and it was 8 am. I said come with me and we walked over to the lobby, and he was so excited to see everything set up already. He said I never expected you to do everything on your own, and I said that's why we are a team, the business office gals, and I got it all set up. I would never expect a faculty member to want to help me set up, but that was Andy who was always willing to chip in whenever needed. I will truly miss his smile and willingness to help out." - Rocina Garcia, Graduate Program Advisor
The following photos were shared by Paradise Valley Community College Professor of Geography John Douglass, who knew Andy for a couple of years.
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Andy at the summit of White Cone in the Hopi Buttes area of the Navajo Nation, collecting ostracod samples from the Bidahochi Formation. Grad student Nitzan Yanay in the background. | Image
"We are at the highest exposure of the Bidhochi Formation, in a remote area of the Navajo Nation on Balakai Mesa. Andy saw this old sedan backseat that someone put out there a long time ago to enjoy the rising sun. Without blinking an eye, he grabbed Jay and they both sat on this old nasty chair and asked me to take their picture, so great!" | Image
"Andy describing a classic lacustrine beach sand from the Bidahochi on Balakai Mesa. I remember trying to follow all his insights and nuances as he rattled them off while looking at this exposure, the guy was so impressive, so knowledgeable." | Image
Same spot at the highest exposure of the Bidahochi Formation. Andy and Jay sat for a photo. |
Andy influenced the lives of many students, past and present.
“I had brought a collapsible camping chair into the Huachuca Mountains and I asked if Andy wanted to take turns using it (he was sitting cross legged on a pile of rocks and branches haha). He said that he was comfortable and proceeded to offer me a beer. As smoke and heat swirled around us, I looked down and said, 'the person on this beer bottle looks a lot like you, Andy.' 'It is me,' he said. That is how I learned about Andy’s home brewing pursuits—one of the many nuances that made him a remarkable, memorable, and inspiring person. I will miss him." - Caden Howlett, Geosciences graduate student
Below are some photos shared by one of Andy's current graduate students Tumaini Kamulali, who is studying paleolimnology, paleoecology, and paleoclimate using sediment cores from Lake Tanganyika Africa. Him and Andy spent a great deal of time together as je was the only student working in his lab when he passed.
"My academic journey would be incomplete without mentioning Andy Cohen, a remarkable mentor and friend who became like family to me. His kindness and support have helped shape both my career and my life in ways I could never have imagined. I first met Andy in Tanzania, where he recognized potential in me and offered me the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. He and his family welcomed me into their home until I found my own accommodation. My dad said that Andy was my dad for as long as I was in the US. With Andy’s encouragement, my academic dreams expanded. As a mentor, he was always there to support and inspire me. Thanks to his faith in my abilities, I decided to pursue a PhD under his supervision. His dedicated mentorship encouraged me every step of the way. Sadly, Andy passed away suddenly just as I (his last grad student) was about to finish my PhD. The loss was profound, but his teachings and spirit continue to live on in my work and life. Our time together in the lab was special, and publishing the research we did together will be a source of pride and comfort. Earning my PhD is not just a personal achievement; it's a tribute to Andy’s unwavering belief in me. We completed all the research we started together. Although he can't be there to see me graduate, I know that I carry his legacy forward. My family, along with many others in Africa who knew him, deeply mourn his loss. Andy Cohen's memory will always be cherished by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I am profoundly grateful to Andy for teaching me not only how to be a better academic but also a better person. Rest in peace, dear mentor and friend. You will be forever remembered and missed." - Tumaini
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Andy and Tuma with Gould Simpson in the background | Image
Andy and Tuma driving legacy sediment cores from Miami to Minneapolis | Image
Andy and his lab students in the paleolimnology lab | Image
Andy and his lab students studying the Verde geological formation in Tucson |
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Andy, Kaustubh Thirumalai and the 2024 C2C students on Mt. Lemmon, AZ | Image
Andy presenting to C2C students about the Tucson basin from the Gould Simpson Rooftop | Image
Andy presenting about the C2C program at Pima County Community College | Image
Andy presenting to C2C students in the Gould Simpson fishbowl |
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Pictured: Champagne bottles in the Paleolimnology Lab commemorated by committees of Andy's past graduate students' graduations |
“Andy changed the path of my career and my life. Through the Nyanza Project, I met Andy and crew, and even went back as a TA for three more summers. He encouraged my love of travel and adventure. I never would have ventured to East Africa were it not for Andy, and never would have met his amazing tailor in Kigoma. (This honor took a few years to earn) I will miss those colorful print shirts! I met George and Susan at a party Andy had in Tucson, and ended up liking them so much I decided to do my PhD in earthquake seismology. He truly changed the course of my life. Andy will be greatly missed by so, so many across the globe” - Christine Gans, PhD Geophysics and Seismology 2011
Pictured: Nyanza Project 2000 group
"I met Andy close to 25 years ago, on a charter bus taking a bunch of conference attendees from a limnology conference in Austin, TX, to dinner. I didn't even talk to him even though he sat right next to me and tried to ask me questions about the presentation I had given earlier that day. I was terrified. After I finished my Master's degree in 2003, Andy called me to ask if I'd like to pursue a PhD at the University of Arizona with him, working on his Lake Malawi project. I declined because I had a decent job at the time, but it always bugged me that I didn't jump at that opportunity. It wasn't until 2010 that I found myself moving to Tucson with my then-girlfriend who was applying to UA. I bumped into Andy at Gentle Bens, at a prospective grad student meet and greet. That led to a meeting in his office the next day. I had wondered for years whether leaving the work-a-day world and going back to grad school as I inched into my 40s was a smart choice. I had snooped around at about a dozen PhD programs in the western U.S. over the years, and there was really only one program that stood out enough to where I would be interested in applying at that point in my life. It was Andy's lab and UA's graduate program. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I ended up spending 6 years in Andy's lab, with him as my PhD advisor. Working with Andy was, hands down, the most amazing 6 years of my career. Andy was such an intellectual giant, and such a kind and caring person, with a funky sense of humor. I've never met anyone quite like him. Since learning of his passing, I've talked with a few people and found myself saying that I've never believed in heros; it's not my style. But, in my career there have been two people that I've interacted with where I've stood back and caught myself thinking "Damn! I wish I was more like them". Andy was one of the two. I will be forever grateful for the years I spent working with him. He was a shining beacon of what a true academic should be. I will miss his goofy shirts and his sense of humor. I will miss Andy." - Jordon Bright, UofA Geosciences PhD 2017
Friends of Andy also shared beautiful words, painting a colorful picture of him as a person.
"Thank you to the Geosciences Department for hosting this memorial site for Andy. For those of us who grew up with Andy in New Jersey, the stories and expressions of love are gratifying and not the least bit surprising. Andy was a great-than-life personally, who softened his intellectual brilliance with great warmth, humor and humility. It was impossible not to willingly associate yourself with him and his curious and adventurous life journey. There was always something new and stimulating to discover with Andy no matter what the occasion or where. Reading through his academic and research accomplishments, and the stories of his colleagues and students, I am reminded of a recurring experience from 9th grade that foreshadowed all that was to come in his life. Andy was a member of a disastrously poor soccer team at our junior high school. The team lost all 13 games it played in 1968. Andy played "fullback", the team's last line of defense ahead of our goalie. I was a "halfback" (mid-fielder), playing in front of Andy as we would face our oncoming opposition. More often than not, I would respond to the waves of attacking opponents by first looking back to the positioning of my fellow defenders. Invariably, Andy would be bent down sifting through the dirt of the playing field in search of shells and the odd rock. The field was a rich research site for a budding geologist given that it had been submerged for millennia along with the rest of the New Jersey peninsula. I like to think that that soccer pitch may have been Andy's first lake bed, and those soccer games were early evidence of his insistent preoccupation with scientific inquiry. It is heartening to know that Andy lives on in our collective memory, and in the ongoing work of his colleagues and students." - Dan Vizzini, friend of Andy
The ICDP-HSPDP Chew Bahir drilling and science team deeply regrets the passing of Prof. Dr. Andrew Cohen. Starting in 2008 on the workshop in Addis Ababa, we worked closely together under his leadership in preparing, organizing and performing this great scientific endeavor, sharing all ups and downs during the last one and a half decades. The success of the project was only possible due to his immense engagement, work, support and good spirit. We would never forget his great mentorship and leadership during that time, which is a role model for us and for our young scientists. Andy gave us the feeling we all work together in a big scientific family. We will always keep him in our minds and hearts and will scientifically continue in his spirit. Rest in peace, Andy, we will never forget!
Some photos showing Andy at Chew Bahir (Ethiopia) or with the team
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Andy (in the center) at the coring site | Image
Andy in discussion with the driver of the water truck | Image
Andy would always go in front |
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Andy at the "after work meeting" in Chew Bahir | Image
Andy during the "after work" baseball training | Image
Andy and some Chew Bahir team members during an excursion in the Eifel region after a meeting in Germany |
Next, a thoughtful recollection piece from one of Andy's previous students Kelly West.
"Andy Cohen was a great personal and professional mentor. In the middle 1980s, he was teaching at Colorado College, a liberal arts school where students take one class at a time, cramming a semester’s worth of material into 3.5 weeks of instruction. Classes were small and because students take one class at a time, the professor had liberty to structure their classes as they wished, with field trips and other opportunities.
I was an English major at the time, and I asked my friends, “what are the easiest classes that one can take to satisfy the natural sciences requirement? They said, “take Introductory Geology and History of Life.” I did…and there I met Andy…and graduated two years later with a BSc in Geology.
Andy made geologic time and evolution…witnessed firsthand by hiking the Grand Canyon, visiting various venues within the Front Range, Canyonlands, fossil beds and his hosting an ‘invertebrate dinner’ for his students as a way of discussing the explosion of life in the Cambrian.…way more alluring and compelling than anything I was reading about in the literature classes that were prerequisite for an English major.
Recruited as a research assistant in 1986 on his NSF grant, Andy introduced me, 39 years ago, to Africa…one of the great loves of my life and where I have made a career and a home.
Andy was patient and compassionate with his students…when they learned at the onset of a summer field season on a research vessel that they were especially susceptible to sea sickness, he would lean in and help them to rethink their research thesis and methods….and when they made the wrong guess about whether to put ‘gazole’ (diesel) or ‘essence’ (gasoline) in the rented field vehicle, he was merciful.
At the same time, we all grew into new things under Andy’s tutelage…I learned to scuba dive, use a scanning electron microscope, speak French, speak Swahili, explored molecular genetics, among others. Andy also cultivated in us a curiosity for food and culture, and his influence is still evidenced in my favorite restaurant choices, the music that I listen to, and the African-fabrics in my wardrobe.
Andy had high standards and encouraged us to think big. At the same time, he was always at the ready with broader perspectives, wisdom, a joke and a good meal when we were struggling.
With Andy?...we always laughed a lot. Andy was not afraid to poke fun at himself. Somewhere in my father’s basement in Minnesota there are dozens of 35 mm slides…including Andy wearing those ridiculous sheep-skin hats sold near Naivasha that make him look like he’s straight out of Russia….and there’s a sign for a village in rural Burundi called ‘Bugarama,’ with Andy standing next to it --exaggeratedly picking his nose!
Across decades of field seasons in Africa, Andy repeatedly teased us of his intentions to write a book titled, “Just Another Dangerous Thing in Africa”…and we used to collect anecdotes, observations and images for it, things like…bicyclists carrying 200kg of bananas on a bike going 70 kph downhill with no brakes…or women carrying lead-acid batteries on their heads. Because I still live and work in Africa, I continue to collect data on this…this week’s observation was 3 people sitting on a couch, balanced on the back of a motorcycle, perpendicular to the chassis, driving towards town at rush hour… such sightings always make me think of Andy and smile.
Andy’s students provide many data points to support the saying that ‘one good teacher can change a life.’ Andy’s mentoring forged an impressive team of people across continents…changing the world though service in petroleum exploration, in museums, in the United Nations, in research and in education. May his wisdom, patience, character, humor and spirit live on through us and our students and mentees."