About
Andrew J.B. Cohen, PhD, PH
Introduction
Dr. Cohen is a Contaminant Hydrogeologist and Professional Hydrologist with 30+ years of experience in consulting, teaching, and research. He assesses contamination of groundwater, soil, rock, sediment, and surface water. Services include dissecting complex data sets to establish causation, contaminant source attribution, groundwater resources assessment, and developing conceptual models essential for remediation, litigation strategy, and risk-informed property redevelopment.
Dr. Cohen is also founder of GroundwaterU.org and co-author of a groundwater book that has been downloaded 23,000+ times from 178 countries.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
- Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1999
- M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1993
- B.S., Water Resources, SUNY Oneonta, 1991
- Certified Professional Hydrologist (08-HGU-1024), American Institute of Hydrology
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
- International Association of Hydrogeologists
- National Ground Water Association
- American Bar Association – Section of Environment, Energy and Resources
- Heterodox Academy (HxA)
CAREER TIMELINE
- Founder, GroundwaterU.org, 2022 – present
Independent Consultant, 2020 – present
Environmental Consulting Firms (1999 – 2020)
Research Associate, Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1993 – 1999
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Professor, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Montclair State University
- Contaminant Hydrogeology, full-semester courses (2012, 2014, and 2018)
Research Associate, Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- 1993 – 1999
- Hydrogeologic characterization of fractured crystalline bedrock, USDOE and USEPA research site, California.
- Groundwater flow modeling of proposed nuclear waste repository, Yucca Mountain, Nevada.
- Author, “Hydrogeologic Characterization of Fractured Rock Formations: A Guide for Groundwater Remediators”, 1995.
Instructor, Online Education
- “Analysis and Visualization of Groundwater Contamination.” Live online course; six 3-hour classes.
Understanding details. Recognizing the larger picture.
Scientific Perspective
Successful scientific analysis includes the ability to recognize patterns, evaluate competing hypotheses, and identify critical uncertainties. Concise written and visual communication is central to inform environmental remediation and legal decisions.
Educational Content
RESOURCES
This website includes educational animations, recorded webinars, and publications about water contamination and related matters. Dr. Cohen tailors his approach to reach a wide audience, including the public, policymakers, regulators, responsible parties, environmental remediation professionals, and attorneys.