Katherine Wilkinson

Katherine Wilkinson is a Researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences at San Jose State University's College of Science. Her work focuses on understanding proprioception—the sensory input required for proper body positioning and motor coordination—and its implications for balance and movement disorders.

In collaboration with the Patapoutian Lab at the Scripps Research Institute, she identified a mechanically sensitive ion channel critical for stretch sensitivity. These findings could inform therapeutics for proprioceptive disorders and improve sensors for prosthetics and robotics.

• Students operate her lab, with six former students pursuing or accepted into Ph.D. programs, medical/pharmacy/dental schools, or biotech careers
• Research intersects neuroscience, physiology, and biomedical engineering
• Funded by the National Institutes of Health