UFGI faculty profile – Marty Cohn

Name: Marty Cohn.

Born: Birmingham, AL.

Position at UF: Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Job before this one: BBSRC David Phillips Research Fellow, University of Reading, U.K.

Current research interest, in layman’s terms:  Research in my lab is aimed at understanding how the genetic programs that control embryonic development have been modified during the evolution of vertebrates. For example, we are working to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the evolutionary origin of limbs. Another major area of interest is how the urogenital system is patterned during embryonic development. This organ system is afflicted by birth defects at a very high frequency in humans. Understanding the genetic basis of normal and abnormal development will be the key to prevention of these defects, and to regeneration and repair of organs when malformations occur.

Education: B.A., University of Texas at Austin (anthropology); M.A., Kent State University (biological anthropology); Ph.D., University College London (developmental biology).

Family: Wife, Philippa; two children, Josh (age 4) and Olivia (age 3); two dogs, Rosie and Layla (both lab crosses from Gainesville Pet Rescue, a great place to get a dog).

When I'm not at work, I am:  Playing with Josh & Olivia, listening to music, or working in the yard.

The best thing that I've done lately that no one knows about: Finally developed the courage to ride a rollercoaster (OK, it was a kids’ rollercoaster).

Last non-work related book:  The Tao of Willie by Willie Nelson.

Last movie and your thoughts:  Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Davy Jones’ cephalopod head was the best special effect in the movie!

Something always in your refrigerator: IPA beer, cheese & olives from Dorn’s.

People would be surprised to know that: My back-up plan is to open a record store.

Contact me at: cohn@zoo.ufl.edu;