Dr. Ana Maria Castejon is currently investigating the neuroprotective effects of the peptide oxytocin with specific applications on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Dr. Castejon has been the Principal Investigator (PI) of a multidisciplinary research study about the role of glutathione in autism. In addition, she was responsible for creating a protocol and method to quantify glutathione in children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Castejon has also served as Co-principal Investigator for the Diabetes Literacy and Self-efficacy Screening and Training Project (Project DLASST) funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This project strived to reach the underserved Hispanic diabetic population by providing free screenings and educational services spearheaded by pharmacists. Other research projects Dr. Castejon has been part of in recent years include, Statins Modulation of Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, and Vascular Dysregulation During and After Statins Withdrawal: Role of Small GTPases, & Withdrawal of Statins and Vascular Dysfunction.

Dr. Castejon has served as a scientific reviewer and panel chairperson for several textbooks and research grant applications including Congressionally Directed Medical Research, and for scientific peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Castejon has also authored and published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her results in over fifty national and international scientific meetings.

Dr. Castejon strongly believes in empowering students’ learning through research. Her strong interests are demonstrated extensively in her role as advisor for graduate, undergraduate and pharmacy students in several projects. As a professor in the College of Pharmacy, she has taught core courses such as Fundamentals of Pharmacodynamics, Integrated Disease Management I and III. Dr. Castejon is also responsible for coordinating several graduate-level courses. Dr. Castejon holds professional affiliations and leadership positions in numerous organizations and has received prestigious awards and recognition for her many contributions to the College of Pharmacy.

Research Interests - Autism: Oxidative stress, dietary manipulations to increase antioxidant capacity, oxytocin regulation of neural growth, apoptosis and oxidative stress, biomarkers Cardiovascular disease: Salt sensitivity, diabetes, statins Cardiovascular Disease