Katherine C. Nickels

Katherine C. Nickels, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Neurology. She serves as a Consultant in the Department of Neurology and Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, focusing on early-onset epilepsy syndromes, novel pharmacologic treatments, and long-term outcomes for pediatric epilepsy patients.

• Fellow, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education (Clinical Neurophysiology-EEG, 2008)
• Residency in Pediatric Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology (2004-2008)
• M.D. from Medical College of Wisconsin (2002)
• B.S. from Michigan Technological University (1997)

Dr. Nickels leads research through the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), employing retrospective studies, prospective studies, and modified Delphi methodology to identify effective treatments for infantile spasms (West syndrome) and myoclonic atonic epilepsy (Doose syndrome). Her work with the Rochester Epidemiology Project evaluates seizure recurrence risks after medication withdrawal and long-term morbidity/mortality in pediatric epilepsy.

Her pharmacological trials target severe syndromes like Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut, and West syndromes. Recent publications highlight age-related seizure semiology, Dravet syndrome communication strategies, and felbamate efficacy in EMAtS.

• 2021: Top Performing Provider, Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
• 2018: Associate Academy of Educational Excellence
• 2017: Fellow, American Epilepsy Society & American Academy of Neurology
• 2016: Outstanding Physician/Scientist Educator, Mayo School of Health Sciences

Dr. Nickels holds leadership roles in PERC (Chair, 2021-2022) and Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (Professional Advisory Board, 2012-present). She collaborates nationally on clinical guidelines and serves as Associate Editor for Epilepsy Currents.