# Harvey Cohn

> American mathematician (1923-2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q52835450](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52835450)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harvey-cohn-q52835450

## Summary
Harvey Cohn (1923–2014) was an American mathematician and computer scientist known for his contributions to number theory, informatics, and computational mathematics. He was a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society and held academic positions at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the University of Arizona, and Washington University in St. Louis.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 27, 1923, in New York City, USA
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, City College of New York (1942)
  - Master of Science, New York University (1943)
  - Doctor of Philosophy, Harvard University (1948), advised by Lars Ahlfors
- **Known for**: Advances in number theory, computer science, and informatics
- **Employer(s)**:
  - City College of New York
  - Stanford University
  - University of Arizona
  - Washington University in St. Louis
  - Wayne State University
  - University of Copenhagen
  - National Security Agency
- **Field(s)**: Mathematics, Computer Science, Informatics

## Contributions
Harvey Cohn made significant contributions to number theory, particularly in the study of algebraic numbers and Diophantine equations. His work bridged pure mathematics with computational methods, influencing early developments in computer science and informatics. He authored several influential papers and books, including *A Second Course in Number Theory* (1962), which became a standard reference in the field. Cohn also contributed to the National Security Agency, applying mathematical techniques to cryptography and data analysis. His academic leadership included mentoring numerous doctoral students, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in mathematics and computer science.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Harvey Cohn's primary field of study?
A: Harvey Cohn was primarily a mathematician, specializing in number theory, but he also made significant contributions to computer science and informatics.

### Q: Where did Harvey Cohn earn his PhD?
A: He earned his PhD in Mathematics from Harvard University in 1948, under the supervision of Lars Ahlfors.

### Q: What awards or honors did Harvey Cohn receive?
A: He was named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2012 and was a Putnam Fellow in 1942.

### Q: Which institutions did Harvey Cohn work at?
A: He held positions at Stanford University, the University of Arizona, Washington University in St. Louis, Wayne State University, the University of Copenhagen, City College of New York, and the National Security Agency.

### Q: What is Harvey Cohn's most notable publication?
A: His book *A Second Course in Number Theory* (1962) is one of his most cited works in the field of number theory.

## Why They Matter
Harvey Cohn's work bridged theoretical mathematics with practical applications in computing, making him a pivotal figure in the development of computational mathematics. His research in number theory laid the groundwork for modern cryptographic techniques, while his contributions to informatics helped shape early data storage and retrieval systems. As an educator, he influenced generations of mathematicians and computer scientists, many of whom became leaders in their fields. Without his interdisciplinary approach, the integration of mathematical theory into computer science might have progressed more slowly.

## Notable For
- Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2012)
- Putnam Fellow (1942)
- Author of *A Second Course in Number Theory* (1962)
- Doctoral advisor to multiple prominent mathematicians
- Contributions to number theory and computational mathematics

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Harvey Cohn was born on December 27, 1923, in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the City College of New York in 1942, followed by a Master of Science from New York University in 1943. He completed his PhD in Mathematics at Harvard University in 1948, under the supervision of Lars Ahlfors, a renowned mathematician.

### Military Service
Cohn served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, contributing to wartime efforts during World War II.

### Academic Career
Cohn held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including:
- **City College of New York**
- **Stanford University**
- **University of Arizona**
- **Washington University in St. Louis**
- **Wayne State University**
- **University of Copenhagen**

His research spanned number theory, computer science, and informatics, with a focus on algebraic numbers and computational methods.

### Contributions to Mathematics and Computer Science
Cohn's work in number theory included advancements in Diophantine equations and algebraic number fields. His book *A Second Course in Number Theory* (1962) remains a key reference in the field. He also contributed to the National Security Agency, applying mathematical techniques to cryptography.

### Legacy and Influence
Cohn mentored numerous doctoral students, including Jesse I. Deutsch, Robert Henry DeVore, and Clara Wajngurt, many of whom became influential in mathematics and computer science. His interdisciplinary approach helped shape the integration of mathematical theory into computational applications.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?pid=171873323)
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Mathematics Genealogy Project
4. [Source](http://www.ams.org/fellows_by_year.cgi?year=2013)
5. [Source](http://www.ams.org/news?news_id=1680)
6. List of previous Putnam winners
7. BnF authorities
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File