# Elaine Cohen

> American mathematician (born 1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q57915535](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57915535)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Cohen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elaine-cohen

Here’s the structured biographical entry for Elaine Cohen based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Elaine Cohen is an American mathematician and computer scientist known for her contributions to geometric modeling and computer graphics. She is a professor at the University of Utah and has mentored notable doctoral students, including Michael F. Cohen. Her work has advanced the fields of computational geometry and interactive graphics.

## Biography  
- **Born**: November 26, 1944 (United States)  
- **Nationality**: United States  
- **Education**:  
  - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Syracuse University  
  - Attended Vassar College  
- **Known for**: Contributions to geometric modeling and computer graphics  
- **Employer(s)**: University of Utah  
- **Field(s)**: Mathematics, computer science, geometric modeling, computer graphics  

## Contributions  
Elaine Cohen has made significant contributions to geometric modeling and computer graphics, particularly in the development of computational methods for curve and surface modeling. She advised prominent doctoral students, including Michael F. Cohen (a computer graphics pioneer) and Gershon Elber (known for geometric modeling research). Her academic work has influenced the theoretical foundations of interactive graphics and 3D modeling techniques. While specific publications or patents are not listed in the source material, her mentorship and research at the University of Utah have left a lasting impact on the field.

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Elaine Cohen’s primary field of work?  
A: Elaine Cohen is primarily known for her work in geometric modeling and computer graphics, with a focus on computational methods for curves and surfaces.  

### Q: Where did Elaine Cohen earn her Ph.D.?  
A: She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Syracuse University under the advisorship of Daniel Waterman.  

### Q: Who are some of Elaine Cohen’s notable doctoral students?  
A: Her doctoral students include Michael F. Cohen (computer scientist), Gershon Elber (geometric modeling researcher), Allen Sanderson, and David R. Pugmire.  

## Why They Matter  
Elaine Cohen’s research and mentorship have shaped the fields of computer graphics and geometric modeling. Her work at the University of Utah helped establish foundational techniques for 3D modeling, which are critical in industries like animation, engineering, and virtual reality. By advising influential figures like Michael F. Cohen, she indirectly contributed to advancements in rendering and visualization technologies. Without her contributions, the theoretical underpinnings of interactive graphics might have developed differently or more slowly.  

## Notable For  
- Advising prominent computer scientists, including Michael F. Cohen and Gershon Elber.  
- Pioneering research in geometric modeling and computer graphics.  
- Longstanding affiliation with the University of Utah, a hub for computer graphics innovation.  

## Body  
### Academic Background  
- Earned a Ph.D. from Syracuse University under Daniel Waterman.  
- Attended Vassar College for undergraduate studies.  

### Career and Affiliations  
- Professor at the University of Utah, a leading institution in computer graphics research.  

### Fields of Work  
- **Geometric Modeling**: Developed computational methods for curves and surfaces.  
- **Computer Graphics**: Contributed to theoretical and applied research in interactive graphics.  

### Mentorship  
- Advised doctoral students who became influential in computer graphics and geometric modeling, including:  
  - Michael F. Cohen (co-developer of radiosity rendering).  
  - Gershon Elber (known for NURBS and geometric modeling).  

### Recognition  
- Listed in authoritative databases like Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 8328) and Library of Congress (n2001002240).  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. IdRef
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Mathematics Genealogy Project
4. [Library of Congress Authorities](https://lccn.loc.gov/n2001002240)