Pinchas Cohen, dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the holder of the William and Sylvia Kugel Dean’s Chair in Gerontology and distinguished professor of gerontology, medicine and biological sciences, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Cohen was named a Fellow “for distinguished contributions to the fields of aging research and molecular biology, particularly using mitochondrial peptides to study possible therapeutic benefits for diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases related to aging.” He is one of four new Fellows elected from USC and 502 Fellows elected to AAAS total this year.

An internationally recognized expert on healthy aging and longevity, Cohen has been the dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology since 2012. He is a pioneer in the field of mitochondrial microproteins, which are potential therapeutic targets for several diseases related to aging. As a dean at USC, Cohen is driving several new initiatives, ranging from technology and innovation for longevity to precision aging, alternative approaches to mental health in aging and the establishment of a Southern California Aging Research Consortium.

He has received numerous awards, including the National Institute of Aging EUREKA Award, the NIH Director Transformative Research Award grant, the Glenn Award for Research in Biological Mechanisms of Aging, and the American Federation for Aging Research Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction.

Throughout his career, Cohen has published more than 350 papers in top scientific journals focusing on aging, dementia, cancer, diabetes and the emerging science of microproteins. Previously, Cohen held faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA, where he led the Diabetes Research Center.

“I am deeply honored to be named a Fellow of AAAS,” Cohen said. “It is a privilege to be recognized by such a prestigious group that is dedicated to pursuing knowledge and improving the lives of all people.”