CV

Education

• Johns Hopkins University, B.A. in Biophysics and Minor in Bioethics, Aug 2018-Dec 2021
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, M.D. and Certificate in Biomedical Ethics, July 2022-May 2026 (expected)

Medical Technology

• Oct 2024-Present: Consultant
  • Merge Medical Device Studio
• Sep 2024-Present: Student Researcher
  • Informatics Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Mentor: Daniel Fabbri, PhD
• April 2023-Aug 2023: Clinical Trial Coordinator
  • GI Windows Surgical

Clinical Research

• April 2023-Present: Student Researcher
  • Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Mentor: Aimal Khan, MD
• Nov 2022-Present: Student Researcher
  • Surgical Analytics Lab and Surgical Ethics Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Mentor: Alexander Langerman, MD, SM
• Jan 2022-July 2022: Research Program Coordinator
  • Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Mentor: Sara Johnson, PhD, MPH
• Sep 2020-Dec 2021: Student Researcher
  • Neuro-Oncology Surgical Outcomes Lab, Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Mentor: Debraj Mukherjee, MD, MPH
• Oct 2018-Jan 2020: Research Assistant
  • Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Mentor: Bonnielin Swenor, PhD, MPH

Cancer Wet Lab

• Jan 2019-Dec 2021: Student Researcher
  • Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University
  • Mentor: Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, PhD
• June 2020-Aug 2020: Research Assistant
  • Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion
  • Mentor: Samy Lamouille, PhD

Addiction Research

• Jan 2022-July 2022 & Summer 2021: Postbaccalaureate Fellow and Summer Intern
  • Technology and Translational Research Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • Mentor: Brenda Curtis, PhD, MSPH
• June 2020-July 2022: Student Investigator
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Mentor: Andrew Cherlin, PhD

COVID-19 Research

• Mar 2021-May 2022: Research Assistant
  • Disability Health Research Center, Johns Hopkins University
  • Mentor: Bonnielin Swenor, PhD, MPH
• June 2020-Jan 2021: Student Researcher
  • CoronaNet
  • Mentor: Robert Kubinec, PhD

Community Service

• Jan 2024-Present: Student Mentor, Future is NOW (Non-violent Options Win) Nashville – Future Healers Network
• Jan 2024-Present: Health Educator, Dismas House of Nashville Residential Reentry Program
• Aug 2022-Present: Coordinator and Student Clinician, Shade Tree Free Clinic
• Jan 2021-July 2022: Community Health Design and Social Innovation Intern, Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital
• Dec 2019-Feb 2020: Certified End-Of-Life Specialist, Gilchrist Hospice Center

Leadership

• July 2024-Present: Honor Council Representative, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Student Government
• Jan 2020-Dec 2021: Teaching Assistant, Johns Hopkins University Organic Chemistry Lab

Honors, Awards, and Grants

• 2024: Medical Student Research Initiation Grant ($4,000), American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
• 2024: Honorable Mention, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 42nd Annual Research Forum
• 2024: National Institute on Drug Abuse Featured Paper of the Month (April)
• 2022: National Institute on Drug Abuse Featured Paper of the Month (October)
• 2022: PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Award ($2,500)
• 2021: Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research Advance Fund Recipient ($1,000)
• 2019-21: Three-Time HCA Healthcare Scholar ($6,000 total), Magazine Feature
• 2020: Johns Hopkins University Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award ($3,000), Magazine Feature
• 2019: Johns Hopkins University Sigma Phi Epsilon Most Balanced Man Finalist
• 2019: Johns Hopkins University Creative Writing Contest Winner
• 2018: Roanoke Valley Tennis Association Fred Rawlings Memorial Scholar ($500)

Professional and Honor Associations

• 2025–: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Student Member
• 2024–: American College of Surgeons, Student Member
• 2022–: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Chapter of Maryland
• 2021–: Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, Beta Circle

Elective Coursework

• 2022-23: Vanderbilt Program in Interprofessional Learning
• 2023: Medical Photography Spring Elective
• 2023: Plastic Surgery Spring Elective
• 2022: Neurosurgery Fall Elective

Skills

• Computer: R, Python, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, SQL, Unix, REDCap, Java, Canva, ImageJ, Pajek, PyMOL
• Language: Conversational French
• Wet Lab: Western Blot, RT-qPCR, cell culture, microfluidic device synthesis, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, bacterial transformation, immunofluorescence, nanodrop spectrophotometry

Publications

Cytoplasmic anillin and Ect2 promote RhoA/myosin II-dependent confined migration and invasion

Tran A, Wisniewski E, Mistriotis P, Stoletov K, Parlani M, Amitrano A, Ifemembi B, Lee SJ, Bera K, Zhang Y, Tuntithavornwat S, Afthinos A, Kiepas A, Agarwal B, Nath S, Jamieson J, Zuo Y, Habib D, Wu PH, Martin S, Gerecht S, Gu L, Lewis J, Kalab P, Friedl P, Konstantopoulos K. Cytoplasmic anillin and Ect2 promote RhoA/myosin II-dependent confined migration and invasion. Nat Mater. 2025. doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02269-9

Not all cuts heal the same: Elevated anastomotic leak rates after elective colectomy for IBD and diverticulitis

Sun K, Wang CC, Shou M, Habib D, Rogers JL, Sethurathnam J, Ali D, Khan A. Not all cuts heal the same: Elevated anastomotic leak rates after elective colectomy for IBD and diverticulitis. J Gastrointest Surg. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.gassur.2025.102138

Risk factors and rates for hypocalcemia after pediatric thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aweeda M, Fassler C, Habib DRS, Miller AB, Ortega C, Prasad K, Chen CL, Lopez M, Duffus SH, Belcher RH. Risk factors and rates for hypocalcemia after pediatric thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. OTO Open. 2025;9(2):e70130. doi:10.1002/oto2.70130

Cost evaluation in head and neck cancer clinical trials: Implications for high-value care

Collins RS, Lee IA, Habib DRS, Garner DC, Johnson DB, Patel PN, Topf MC. Cost evaluation in head and neck cancer clinical trials: Implications for high-value care. Am J Otolaryngol. 2025;46(5):104655. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104655

Development of a machine learning-based tension measurement method in robotic surgery

Khan A*, Yang H*, Habib DRS, Ali D, Wu JY. Development of a machine learning-based tension measurement method in robotic surgery. Surg Endosc. 2025;39(5):3422-3428. doi:10.1007/s00464-025-11658-9

Gaps in informed consent for intimate exams under anesthesia

Habib DRS*, Lin G*, Langerman A. Gaps in informed consent for intimate exams under anesthesia. Ann Surg. 2025;281(5):723-724. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006568

Effect of deep brain stimulation on nonmotor symptoms in essential tremor

Bishay AE, Lyons AT, Habib DRS, Hughes NC, Long I, Zargari M, Qian H, Paulo D, Summers JE, Li R, Bishay S, Terry DP, Dawant BM, Ball TJ, Konrad PE, Englot DJ, Dhima K, Bick SK. Effect of deep brain stimulation on nonmotor symptoms in essential tremor. J Neurosurg. 2025. doi:10.3171/2024.11.JNS241990

Perioperative outcomes of branchial cleft sinus tract excision in pediatric patients without the use of intraoperative dye

Habib DRS, Jamal NH, Patel K, Wootten CT, Belcher RH. Perioperative outcomes of branchial cleft sinus tract excision in pediatric patients without the use of intraoperative dye. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2024;134(4):245-248. doi:10.1177/00034894241303021

Association of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with postoperative major morbidity after oncologic surgery

Habib DRS*, Shou M*, Phillips RH, Pickens A, Hawkins A, Idrees K, Khan A. Association of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with postoperative major morbidity after oncologic surgery. Ann Surg Onc. 2024;31(13):8508-8513. doi:10.1245/s10434-024-16284-8

Applying social network theory to vaping in high school: Implications for person-centered intervention

Habib DRS, Kady A. Applying social network theory to vaping in high school: Implications for person-centered intervention. Subst Use Misuse. 2024:1-5. doi:10.1080/10826084.2024.2359714

Lived experience matters: Automatic detection of stigma on social media toward people who use substances

Giorgi S, Bellew D, Habib DRS, Sedoc J, Smitterberg C, Devoto A, Himelein-Wachowiak MK, Curtis B. Lived experience matters: Automatic detection of stigma on social media toward people who use substances. Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media. 2024;18(1):474-487. doi:10.1609/icwsm.v18i1.31328

Impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on postoperative complications after surgery for rectal cancer

Shou M*, Habib DRS*, Idrees K, Hawkins A, Ford M, Lee H, Khan B, Khan A. Impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on postoperative complications after surgery for rectal cancer. J Surg Onc. doi:10.1002/jso.27694

Overlapping surgery verbiage in informed consent documents

Mitchell MB, Lin G, Prasad K, Habib DRS, Langerman A. Overlapping surgery verbiage in informed consent documents. Ann Surg. 2024. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006324

Comparative outcomes for microvascular free flap monitoring outside the intensive care unit

Stevens MN, Prasad K, Sharma RK, Gallant JN, Habib DRS, Langerman A, Mannion K, Rosenthal E, Topf MC, Rohde SL. Comparative outcomes for microvascular free flap monitoring outside the intensive care unit. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;171(2):381-386. doi:10.1002/ohn.780

The association between motor and non-motor symptoms in essential tremor patients being evaluated for deep brain stimulation surgery

Bishay AE, Habib DRS, Lyons AT, Hughes NC, Summers JE, Dhima K, Bick SK. The association between motor and non-motor symptoms in essential tremor patients being evaluated for deep brain stimulation surgery. J Clin Neurosci. 2024;122:59-65. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2024.03.006

Parents’ trust in COVID-19 messengers and implications for vaccination

Klein LM, Habib DRS, Edwards LV, Hager ER, Berry AA, Connor KA, Calderon G, Liu Y, Johnson SB. Parents’ trust in COVID-19 messengers and implications for vaccination. Am J Health Promot. 2024;38(3):364-374. doi:10.1177/08901171231204480

How often is cancer present in oral cavity re-resections after initial positive margins?

Prasad K, Sharma R, Habib D, Sinard R, Mannion K, Rohde S, Langerman A, Netterville J, Rosenthal E, Lewis J, Topf MC. How often is cancer present in oral cavity re-resections after initial positive margins? Laryngoscope. 2024;134(2)717-724. doi:10.1002/lary.30959

A linguistic analysis of dehumanization toward substance use across three decades of news articles

Giorgi S, Habib DRS, Bellew D, Sherman G, Curtis B. A linguistic analysis of dehumanization toward substance use across three decades of news articles. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1275975. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1275975

The role of primary care in advancing civic engagement and health equity: A conceptual framework

Habib DRS*, Klein LM*, Perrin EM, Perrin AJ, Johnson SB. The role of primary care in advancing civic engagement and health equity: A conceptual framework. Milbank Q. 2023;101(3):731-767. doi:10.1111/1468-0009.12661

Linguistic methodologies to surveil the leading causes of mortality: Scoping review of Twitter for public health data

Lane J, Habib D, Curtis B. Linguistic Methodologies to Surveil the Leading Causes of Mortality: Scoping Review of Twitter for Public Health Data. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e39484. doi:10.2196/39484

Role of the media in promoting the dehumanization of people who use drugs

Habib DRS, Giorgi S, Curtis B. Role of the media in promoting the dehumanization of people who use drugs. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2023;49(4):371-380. doi:10.1080/00952990.2023.2180383

Nonsuicidal self-injury and substance use disorders: A shared language of addiction

Giorgi S, Himelein-Wachowiak MK, Habib D, Ungar L, Curtis B. Nonsuicidal self-injury and substance use disorders: A shared language of addiction. Proceedings of the Eighth Workshop on Computational Linguistics and Clinical Psychology. 2022:177-183. doi:10.18653/v1/2022.clpsych-1.15

COVID-19 vaccine website accessibility dashboard

Jo G*, Habib D*, Varadaraj V, Smith J, Epstein S, Zhu J, Yenokyan G, Ayers K, Swenor BK. COVID-19 vaccine website accessibility dashboard. Disabil Health J. 2022;15(3):101325. doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101325

Dyadic analysis of fragile Middle Eastern states and humanitarian implications of restrictive COVID-19 policies

Habib D, Elmore N, Gulas S, Ruhde N, Mathew D, Parente N. Dyadic analysis of fragile Middle Eastern states and humanitarian implications of restrictive COVID-19 policies. Middle East Law Gov. 2022;14(1):26-61. doi:10.1163/18763375-14010008

AIM against survey fraud

Habib D*, Jha N*. AIM against survey fraud. JAMIA Open. 2021;4(4):ooab099. doi:10.1093/jamiaopen/ooab099

Conference Activity

Association between hearing aid and cochlear implant internet searches with media campaigns and federal announcements

October 11, 2025

Poster at American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, USA

The unseen burden of non-flaccid facial paralysis: Patient-reported psychosocial impact and treatment experience

September 25, 2025

Oral Presentation at International Facial Nerve Symposium, Madrid, Spain

Patient-reported barriers to diagnosis and treatment in non-flaccid facial paralysis

September 25, 2025

Oral Presentation at International Facial Nerve Symposium, Madrid, Spain

Lymph node yield is not associated with survival in total laryngectomy patients

May 15, 2025

Poster at American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting at COSM, New Orleans, LA, USA

Outcomes following neoadjuvant immunotherapy for oral cavity cancer: A propensity score matched analysis of the National Cancer Database

May 15, 2025

Poster at American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting at COSM, New Orleans, LA, USA

Adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve overall survival in positive surgical margin oral cavity cancer patients without extranodal extension

May 15, 2025

Poster at American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting at COSM, New Orleans, LA, USA

Speech outcomes and surgical care in Pierre Robin sequence

May 08, 2025

Poster at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Annual Meeting, Palm Springs, CA, USA

Neuropsychological effects of GPi deep brain stimulation in medication resistant dystonia

April 25, 2025

Poster at American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, USA

Patient-reported non-routine events for same-day discharge after mastectomy

April 06, 2025

Poster at Southwestern Surgical Congress Annual Meeting, Sonoma, CA, USA

Risk factors and rates for hypocalcemia after pediatric thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

January 23, 2025

Oral Presentation at Triological Combined Sections Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA

Association of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with postoperative major morbidity after oncologic surgery

October 19, 2024

Poster at Surgical Outcomes Club Annual Scientific Session, San Francisco, CA, USA

Facilitating primary care connections for emergency department discharge patients

September 24, 2024

Poster at American Interprofessional Health Collaborative Nexus Summit, Virtual

Impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on postoperative complications after oncologic surgery

September 06, 2024

Oral Presentation at Society of Asian Academic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, USA

Mood and cognitive effects of deep brain stimulation for essential tremor

June 03, 2024

Poster at American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Biennial Meeting, Nashville, TN, USA

NCCN guideline adherence in rectal cancer and outcomes in low-volume vs. high-volume centers

June 02, 2024

Oral Presentation at American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, Baltimore, MD, USA

Augmented reality in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery: A systematic review

May 15, 2024

Poster at American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting at COSM, Chicago, IL, USA

Novel substance use and support themes on Reddit: Lessons for researchers and practitioners

November 14, 2023

Poster at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA

Flap to floor: Free flap comparative outcomes outside the ICU

October 01, 2023

Oral Presentation at American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, USA

How often is cancer present in oral cavity re-resections after initial positive margins?

May 04, 2023

Poster at Triological Society Annual Meeting at COSM, Boston, MA, USA

Trends in the dehumanization of people who use drugs in American news articles from 1986 to 2020

November 09, 2022

Roundtable Presentation at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, USA

Segregation, coronavirus racial bias, and relationships with COVID-19 distress

November 07, 2022

Roundtable Presentation at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, USA

Applying social network theory to vaping in high school: Implications for school-based prevention programs

July 15, 2022

Oral Presentation at XLII International Social Networks Conference, Virtual

A preliminary network analysis of blighted neighborhoods in Baltimore City

July 14, 2022

Oral Presentation at XLII International Social Networks Conference, Virtual

The balance between health resource-oriented and restrictive COVID-19 policies in the Middle East

October 05, 2021

Oral Presentation at COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures Research Outcome Conference, Virtual

Nuclear stiffening along with RhoGEF activity regulate RhoA/MyosinII-dependent contractility and cell migration phenotype in confinement

October 16, 2020

Poster at Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Virtual

Popular Works

Researching the COVID-19 pandemic: New vistas and data limitations

Habib D, Elmore N. Researching the COVID-19 pandemic: New vistas and data limitations. Middle East Law and Governance Blog. Published May 2, 2022. https://blog.brill.com/view/post/guest-post/podcast/researching-the-covid-19-pandemic.xml.

COVID-19 in the Middle East

Habib D. COVID-19 in the Middle East. Asia & The Pacific Policy Society. Published August 14, 2020. https://www.policyforum.net/covid-19-in-the-middle-east/.

Stars, stripes and nicotine addiction

Habib D. Stars, stripes and nicotine addiction. The Roanoke Times. Published September 25, 2019. https://roanoke.com/opinion/commentary/habib-stars-stripes-and-nicotine-addiction/article_26b9a122-2d2f-5d1a-9b23-f0a258e4567c.html.

Media Coverage

• 2024: Medical Ethics Advisor Article, Ethical Controversy Persists Regarding Pelvic Exams on Anesthetized Patients

Non–Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Habib D. Restriction: The COVID-19 policy type of choice for fragile Middle Eastern states. Cambio. 2020:1-12. doi:10.13128/cambio-9729

Undergraduate Journal Articles

• Habib D. Computational analysis on the relationship between state political party dominance and lack of health insurance. Hopkins Undergraduate Research Journal. 2020:44-46.
• Habib D. An act divided: America’s uninsured. The Cornell Healthcare Review. 2019:23-24.

Non–Peer-Reviewed Presentations

• Naranjo C, Habib DRS, Patel PN. Self-paced sinusitis educational module for medical students: Improving otolaryngology knowledge for all future specialties. Poster presented at: National Otolaryngology Interest Group Scholars in Otolaryngology Research Conference; April 26, 2025; Virtual.
• Habib DRS, Shou M, Rogers JL, Sun K, Wang CC, Khan A. Less is more: Risk factors and survival outcomes of overtreatment for early-stage colorectal cancer. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Swain BB, Si CD, Jin W, Habib DRS, Topf MC. Identifying risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula formation following total laryngectomy. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Doctorman S, Habib DRS, Vivek N, Lee VA, Larson D, Jamal N, Patel K, Zhao S, Wilcox LJ. Predictors of high-yield airway evaluations in pediatric patients. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Larson D, Suh H, Sridhar S, Habib DRS, Vittetoe K, Sengstack D, Topf MC, Hicks MD. Effect of preoperative depression on survival and treatment-related outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing free flap reconstruction. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Suh H, Larson D, Habib DRS, Sridhar S, Vittetoe K, Sengstack D, Topf MC, Hicks MD. Contributory factors in perioperative pain scores among head and neck cancer free flap reconstruction patients. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Bishay AE, Tay A, Habib DRS, Qian H, Ball TJ, Englot DJ, Dhima K, Bick SK. Neuropsychological effects of GPi deep brain stimulation in medication resistant dystonia. Poster presented at: Dan Beauchamp Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Day; February 21, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA.
• Habib D. Exposure to people who use drugs influences perceptions about drug-related stigma. Poster presented at: National Institutes of Health Postbac Poster Day; May 20, 2022; Virtual.
• Habib D. Personal encounters and subjective experience: Drug-related stigma perception on social media. Oral presentation at: National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Day; May 18, 2022; Virtual.
• Habib D. Mining digital media to understand the individual and societal impact of substance use disorders. Poster presented at: National Institutes of Health Summer Research Presentation Week; August 4, 2021; Virtual.
• Habib D. Applying a deterministic anonymous incentive method to study high school vaping. Oral presentation at: Johns Hopkins University Day of Undergraduate Research in Engineering, Arts, Medicine, and the Sciences; October 18, 2021; Virtual.
• Habib D, Elmore N, Gulas S, Ruhde N, Mathew D. The ethics of restrictions in the Middle East’s COVID-19 response. Oral presentation at: 39th Annual Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Social Research Conference; April 22, 2021; Virtual.
• Habib D. Vape use in high school social networks. Oral presentation at: Johns Hopkins University Undergraduate Research Symposium; October 27, 2020; Virtual.