Carl Whitfield

Dr. Carl Whitfield is a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow in Applied Mathematics at the University of Manchester's Department of Mathematics. He specializes in computational modeling of lung structure and function, particularly focusing on cystic fibrosis. His research integrates multi-scale modeling of respiratory biomechanics and fluid dynamics with patient-specific simulations to improve disease detection and treatment optimization. Whitfield holds a PhD in Modelling Spontaneous Motion and Deformation of Active Droplets from the University of Sheffield (2015) and a Master of Physics from the same institution (2012).

• Current Role: Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow, Applied Mathematics
• Research Themes: Respiratory Physiology, Biomechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Computational Modelling
• Collaborations: Prof. Oliver Jensen (Manchester), Prof. Jim Wild (Sheffield), Prof. Ian Hall (Epidemiology)

His research interests span computational modeling, biological fluid mechanics, and inverse problems, with applications to respiratory medicine and soft matter physics. Whitfield has contributed to pandemic response through modeling asymptomatic testing and workplace transmission dynamics during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. He leads the Mathematical Epidemiology Group and contributes to multi-modal studies on pregnancy and stillbirth prevention.

Whitfield's recent work emphasizes the non-local effects of airway constrictions on inhaled particle deposition and the role of surfactant in viscoplastic fluid instabilities. His publications explore both fundamental fluid dynamics and translational medicine, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex biomedical problems.

• Key Achievements: Developed patient-specific lung models for CF drug delivery optimization
• Funding: Active roles in projects including Digital Futures and Christabel Pankhurst Institute initiatives