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Andrew Cohen
Founder & CEO of Brainscape | Optimizing how the world learns
Andrew Cohen is the Founder and CEO of Brainscape, an innovative web and mobile education platform designed to enhance learning efficiency through cognitive science. He established Brainscape in 2010, motivated by a desire to help individuals learn more effectively using scientifically-backed methods, particularly through the use of "smart flashcards" that facilitate spaced repetition and retrieval practice.125
Background and Education
Cohen's educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Economics and Finance from the University of Georgia (1999-2003) and a Master's degree in Instructional Technology from Columbia University (2007-2008). His studies focused on metacognition and instructional design, which directly influenced the development of Brainscape.12
Career Path
Before founding Brainscape, Cohen held various roles that shaped his expertise:
- International Economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Economic Development Specialist at the World Bank, where he worked on anti-corruption projects in Panama.
- eLearning Consultant for organizations like Satori Consulting and the United Nations, where he developed educational programs and metrics for learning efficacy.123
Brainscape's Evolution
Cohen initially created Brainscape as a personal tool to improve his own language learning while living abroad. The platform has since evolved into a comprehensive educational resource used by millions globally. It combines user-generated content with a robust algorithm that personalizes learning experiences to maximize retention and understanding.234
Current Status
Under Cohen's leadership, Brainscape has become profitable and continues to expand its reach. The platform not only serves individual learners but also provides resources for educators and institutions looking to enhance their teaching methods through technology.25 Cohen remains passionate about leveraging cognitive science to optimize human learning and development.5