Dr. Wilkins is a preclinical scientist with over ten years of experience in rodent models of spinal cord injury. After substantial work as a research technician at the Medical College of Wisconsin under the supervision of Dr. Brian Stemper and Dr. Matthew Budde, she attended graduate school at the University of Louisville. During her time there, under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Hubscher, Dr. Wilkins developed expertise in spinal cord epidural stimulation as an intervention for neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction following spinal cord injury.
She works in the Grill laboratory, where she conducts preclinical experiments to determine the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation as a treatment for bowel dysfunction induced by spinal cord injury. As a KURe scholar, Dr. Wilkins will expand her work on sacral nerve stimulation to address neurogenic bladder dysfunction resulting from spinal cord injuries. This research aims to develop a framework for the application of sacral nerve stimulation as a therapeutic option for those suffering from this condition. In addition to her work in neuromodulation, Dr. Wilkins is passionate about improving the quality of life for individuals with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. She is also dedicated to destigmatizing female urinary and sexual dysfunction to foster greater conversation within the scientific community and enhance transparency between patients and clinicians.