Dr. Castañeda is interested in understanding brain mechanisms that change neural function to support sparing of behavioral ability as neurons degenerate across the progression of Parkinson's disease. Similar mechanisms may also change brain function to produce addiction in response to repeated exposure to stimulant drugs. His current research interests focus on the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine and how these changes correlate with motor ability in a model of Parkinson's disease and with increasing behavioral responses to repeated stimulant drug exposure.

Dr. Castañeda currently serves as the Principal Investigator for the NIH/NIDA-funded R24 UTEP Vulnerability Issues in Drug Abuse (VIDA) research training project, which aims to increase the amount of substance abuse research and training present on campus.