Equine Infectious Disease Specialist Noah Cohen Named Regents Professor
Story by Rachel Knight, VMBS Communications
Dr. Noah Cohen, a faculty member in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), is among the 14 faculty members from within the Texas A&M University System designated as Regents Professors for their exemplary performance during 2022-2023.
Cohen joins the ranks of just 306 Texas A&M system faculty members to be recognized as Regents Professors since the award was established in 1996.
“Dr. Cohen’s service to Texas A&M University has had an outstanding impact on both equine and human health and on our students who apply what Dr. Cohen teaches them during their time at the VMBS to their veterinary careers,” said Dr. John August, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “The Regents Professors award is an honor well deserved by such an outstanding educator, scholar, and researcher.”
Cohen is a distinguished professor of large animal internal medicine, associate department head for research and graduate studies, and the Dr. Glen Blodgett Chair of Equine Studies. His exemplary contributions to research, teaching students, and treating patients in the VMBS’ Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences has garnered notoriety among equine veterinary professionals.
“Dr. Cohen is an internationally recognized veterinary clinician-scientist and scholar who has made transformational contributions to the field of equine medicine,” one of Cohen’s nominators said. “He has 35 years of service at Texas A&M and his outstanding accomplishments during this time have made a lasting impact on veterinary medical education, applied research, and clinical practice.
“Dr. Cohen’s passion for service is highly regarded by his students, colleges, and professional peers,” the nominator continued. “He has provided admirable service to the university and the veterinary medical profession.”
Cohen’s Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory is best known for developing vaccines for horses, including the vaccine for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia, one the leading causes of death and disease in foals.
“Dr. Cohen’s applied research has transformed our understanding, preventative strategy, and treatment of R. equi infections in horses,” his nomination packet shared. “R. equi is the most devastating and economically consequential infectious disease of foals due to the costs of treatment, prevention, and loss of foal life. This disease was previously most often fatal but that is no longer the case due to Dr. Cohen’s seminal discoveries. His research challenged the paradigms, informed equine veterinarians, and provided practical solutions for R. equi infections.”
“[Dr. Noah Cohen] is devoted to building enthusiasm for research and science and creating an environment in which trainees can succeed.”
Dr. Cohen is also working to reduce the impact of antibiotic resistance in horses, developing diagnostic tests and a vaccine for strangles; and investigating other diseases with the goal of improving equine health.
In the classroom, Cohen teaches undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students about equine infectious diseases, host-pathogen interaction, and large animal clinical skills.
“Dr. Cohen has contributed to many courses at each of these levels. He routinely receives good student evaluations,” a nominator said. “Throughout his courses, he emphasizes problem-solving to help students develop a pattern of life-long learning, empowering students to continue to educate themselves.
Cohen has also served as a mentor for numerous undergraduate and graduate students, veterinary residents, and postdoctoral researchers.
“The future of the veterinary profession hinges on the excellent training of clinician-scientists,” a letter in Cohen’s nomination packet explained. “Commitment to training these individuals has been a major career focus for Dr. Cohen. He has served on the graduate committees for over 52 master’s and Ph.D. students. He has also supervised four post-doctoral students as well as the research programs of eight clinical residents. He is devoted to building enthusiasm for research and science and creating an environment in which trainees can succeed.”
The annual selection process for the Regents Professors awards begin when Chancellor John Sharp makes a call for nominations, which are subject to Texas A&M System-level review. The review process includes input from academic vice chancellors, past recipients of the awards, and the chief executive officer of each respective entity. The final phase of the selection process concludes with approval from Sharp and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents.
“From research to service, these individuals’ accomplishments over the last year exemplify the A&M System’s commitment to finding solutions and serving Texas,” said Bill Mahomes, chairman of Texas A&M System Board of Regents. “I hope their example will inspire others.”
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Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216
