Cohen is an active researcher in clinical and cognitive neuroscience with over 50 publications. He has authored the book Neuropsychology of Attention. His research interests include the study of brain-behavior relationships, particularly with respect to attention, timing, and executive functioning. His clinical research interests include the neural bases of violence, cardiovascular disease influences on neurocognitive functioning, and Alzheimer's and related dementia. Recent work has been initiated to examine neurobehavioral effects of brain nicotinic function. Cohen is actively involved in the training of interns and postdoctoral fellows within the Centers.