Dr. Higgins currently serves as the IBD editor for the American Journal of Gastroenterology. His research focuses on inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. He is interested in the molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis, which leads to intestinal blockages and surgery. Dr. Higgins studies the use of ultrasound to measure intestinal scarring, the use of biomarkers to detect early scarring, and measurement of markers of early inflammation. His clinical research includes studies on patient-reported outcomes in IBD, medication holidays after long-term remission in IBD, and biomarker-guided therapy in IBD. Dr. Higgins' research interests are complemented by his clinical interest in improving the quality of care of patients with IBD. He is a member of the AGA IBD Quality Measures Committee, and has participated in the development of national guidelines for high quality IBD care. Dr. Higgins has received many honors and awards, including the AGA IBD Clinical Research Excellence Award.