Professor Spiegel-Cohen is a seasoned professional in data structures, algorithms, and data analytics, with extensive experience as a software engineer at the Icahn School of Medicine and NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her work has primarily focused on research-related software development for medical imaging, computer graphics, and data analysis. She has applied her expertise in Java and C to develop software tools that support advancements in neuroanatomy research and medical education.
Professor Spiegel-Cohen holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from George Washington University. In her academic role at Touro University, she teaches courses in Introduction and Advanced Programming, Data Structures and Database Systems, emphasizing the practical application of core computing concepts to prepare students for careers in industry or future academic work. Additionally, she has taught courses in Full Stack programming. Her curriculum is designed to guide students in developing efficient, sophisticated algorithms and a strong foundation in software development.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the joy of intellectual discovery. She believes that while the path may be challenging, students who are excited and engaged can truly enjoy the process and appreciate the journey. To that end, her classes are highly interactive, featuring live programming sessions and a vibrant online discussion board to ensure students are supported and never feel alone while coding. Additionally, Professor Spiegel-Cohen values maintaining contact with students beyond the completion of the course series and after graduation, offering continued support as they advance in their academic and professional careers.
Beyond the classroom, Professor Spiegel-Cohen is deeply committed to community engagement and to supporting women in computer science. She is active in tech communities, has organized and taught coding programs for middle and high school students, and works to expand access to computer science education in underserved communities. Her mission is to help create inclusive, diverse learning environments that inspire the next generation of tech professionals.
Residing in New York, Professor Spiegel-Cohen is a mom, an engaged community member, and the coauthor of over 20 scientific papers—reflecting her ongoing commitment to data analytics and the integration of technology into both education and research.
Education
- BA, Literature in English, George Washington University
- MS, Computer Science, Columbia University
Honors and Awards
Community Service Award from the School District of New Rochelle ALMS PTA for organizing and implementing Hour of Code for the district.
Research
Research contributions have centered on supporting projects in brain imaging, aging, and neurodegenerative disease—particularly in the development and application of 3D visualization tools to enhance collaborative understanding of complex neural data.
Publications
- LJ Siever, MS Buchsbaum, AS New, J Spiegel-Cohen, T Wei, EA Hazlett, .... "d, l-fenfluramine response in impulsive personality disorder assessed with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography." Neuropsychopharmacology 20 (5), 413-423, 1999
- D Simeon, O Guralnik, EA Hazlett, J Spiegel-Cohen, E Hollander, .... "Feeling unreal: a PET study of depersonalization disorder." American Journal of Psychiatry 157 (11), 1782-1788, 2000
- KL Davis, MS Buchsbaum, L Shihabuddin, J Spiegel-Cohen, M Metzger, .... "Ventricular enlargement in poor-outcome schizophrenia." Biological psychiatry 43 (11), 783-793, 1998
- MM Haznedar, MS Buchsbaum, M Metzger, A Solimando, .... "Anterior cingulate gyrus volume and glucose metabolism in autistic disorder." American Journal of Psychiatry 154 (8), 1047-1050, 1997
- JE Downhill Jr, MS Buchsbaum, T Wei, J Spiegel-Cohen, EA Hazlett, .... "Shape and size of the corpus callosum in schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder." Schizophrenia research 42 (3), 193-208, 2000
- EA Hazlett, MS Buchsbaum, W Byne, TC Wei, J Spiegel-Cohen, .... "Three-dimensional analysis with MRI and PET of the size, shape, and function of the thalamus in the schizophrenia spectrum." American Journal of Psychiatry 156 (8), 1190-1199, 1999
- L Shihabuddin, MS Buchsbaum, EA Hazlett, MM Haznedar, PD Harvey, .... "Dorsal striatal size, shape, and metabolic rate in never-medicated and previously medicated schizophrenics performing a verbal learning task." Archives of General Psychiatry 55 (3), 235-243, 1998
Memberships and Affiliations
- ACM
- Founding member of CompScisters (FB)
- Systers.org
