Lab Members

Justin S. Golub, MD, MS
Principal Investigator



Justin S. Golub's Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Department Bio

Dr. Golub is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty Development in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle and a fellowship in neurotology at the University of Cincinnati. He obtained a masters in biostatistics/patient-oriented research at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. He is the author of more than ninety peer-reviewed research publications and has co-edited four books, including the Pasha/Golub guide, a bestseller among trainees. Dr. Golub has an NIH-funded research program investigating the brain effects of age-related hearing loss. He is also a leading pioneer in minimally invasive endoscopic ear surgery. Clinically, he is interested in optimizing treatment of age-related hearing loss and improving outcomes using endoscopic ear surgery. When not toiling at work, he may be found relaxing with his family in the hills of Westchester County.


Hannah Weinstein
Medical Student and Research Fellow



Hannah is a medical student at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She received her B.A. in Biology from Williams College. Hannah's research interests include the intersection between hearing loss and long-term health outcomes, such as cognition and dementia, as well as the effects of climate change on health. In her free time, she enjoys biking the city, dabbling in pottery, taking film photos, and making graphical abstracts.


Lauren Tucker
Medical Student and Dean's Research Fellow



Lauren is a medical student at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She received her B.A. in the History of Art at Yale University. Her research interests include the relationship between hearing loss and cognition, particularly as it pertains to conditions like dementia, medical ethics, and medical education. In her free time, Lauren enjoys doing The New York Times crossword, seeing what's new at the movie theater, and running along the Hudson River Park.


Michael Denham
Medical Student and Dean's Research Fellow



Michael is a medical student at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He received his BS in Chemical Engineering and BA in Economics from Louisiana State University and holds an MPhil in Health, Medicine, and Society from the University of Cambridge. Michael's research interests include the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, music perception, market consolidation within otolaryngology, and surgical ethics. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano and guitar, writing journalistic articles and fiction, and exploring New York's vibrant theater scene.


Karla Fernandez AuD
Research Audiologist



Karla is an Assistant Professor of Audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She received her doctorate in Clinical Audiology from the University of Florida. She has previously served as a professor and instructor at other learning institutions such as the Ichan school of Medicine and is always happy to share her knowledge with students in her field of Audiology. Her research interests include the relationship between hearing loss and cognition, particularly as it pertains to the aging adult and the bilingual (English/Spanish) population. In her free time, Karla enjoys crafting, spending time with her extended family and enjoying nature.

Michael Gomez
Research Coordinator



Michael Gomez is a clinical research coordinator for the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He obtained his MD from Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia and completed a certificate program in epidemiology and public health at Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia. He has worked in Clinical Research since he was a medical trainee. Michael has a special interest in creating efficient research teams. In his free time he enjoys going to concerts, singing and exploring New York City.


Pamela Arpi
Research Coordinator



Pamela is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Otolaryngology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She received her B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from St. John's University. Her research interests include hearing loss, cognition, and health equity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, taking long walks in nature, and exploring NYC's museums and shows.


Nathalie Moreno
Research Coordinator



Nathalie Moreno is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She has over five years of experience working on clinical trials. In her free time, she goes to comedy shows, trades crypto and enjoys cooking.


Jacqueline (Jackie) Dragon
Medical Student



Jackie is a medical student at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She received her B.A. in Chemistry and minors in Anthropology and Global Health from Princeton University. Jackie's research interests include the relationships between hearing loss, serious mental illnesses, and cognition. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, dancing salsa and Argentine tango, and trying new photography techniques.


Emily Ishak
Medical Student



Emily is a medical student at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She received her BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and BA in English from UMass Amherst. Emily's research interests include the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, cognition, and social determinants of health. Before she graduates, Emily hopes to visit as many NYC museums and parks as she can.


Lab Collaborators


EARHLI RCT Collaborators
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Pittsburgh
University of South Florida
University of Washington

Adam M. Brickman, PhD
Department of Neurology

Katharine K. Brewster, MD
Department of Psychiatry

Ana H. Kim, MD
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Anil K. Lalwani, MD
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD
Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins

José A. Luchsinger, MD, MPH
Department of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology

John (Jack) W. Rowe, MD
Columbia Aging Center

Nicole Schupf, PhD
Department of Neurology, Department of Epidemiology


Lab Alumni

Former Members and Collaborators