Carlos B. Mantilla

Carlos B. Mantilla, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a joint appointment in both departments and serves as Director of the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology graduate program at Mayo Graduate School since 2013. His research is centered on the neural and muscular control of breathing, with a focus on spinal cord injury, aging, and neuromuscular disorders.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
• M.D., Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario
• Residency and Fellowship in Anesthesiology, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education

Dr. Mantilla’s research investigates the mechanisms of respiratory motor recovery after spinal cord injury, the impact of aging on diaphragm function, and the role of growth factors in neuromuscular health. His lab employs advanced techniques such as 3-D confocal imaging, single-cell transcriptional analysis, electrophysiology, and whole-body plethysmography. His work has been published extensively in high-impact journals and is supported by NIH and other foundations.

His recent publications highlight trends in respiratory neuroplasticity, autophagy in motor neurons, diaphragm function in aging, and recovery mechanisms post-injury. These studies integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to understand breathing control and develop therapies for respiratory impairment.

Scientific awards and honors include:

• Anthony DiMarco Lectureship Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (2021)
• Medal Ministerio de Defense Nacional, Colombia (2013)
• Multiple Teaching Awards (2008, 2004)
• Distinguished Resident Clinician (1997)

Dr. Mantilla actively mentors graduate students through his leadership in the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology program and has been a co-investigator or principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants. He serves as Associate Editor for Physiology and Frontiers in Respiratory Physiology. He is also involved in editorial roles and scientific advisory committees, contributing to the broader academic and clinical research community.

His research is conducted within the Cell and Regenerative Physiology program at Mayo Clinic, collaborating closely with Dr. Gary C. Sieck. The lab focuses on regenerative approaches to restore respiratory function and is part of Mayo Clinic’s broader research infrastructure in anesthesiology, physiology, and biomedical engineering.