Andres A. Castaneda

Biography

Andres A. Castaneda is a research assistant in the Swarup Lab at the University of California, Irvine, where he analyzes RNA-seq datasets to identify differential gene expression associated with opioid use disorder. His work focuses on characterizing sex- and brain region-specific transcriptional differences and constructing gene co-expression networks using computational tools including R, WGCNA, and rMATS. Castaneda received a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of California, Irvine in 2024.

In addition to his research experience, Castaneda has worked as a research assistant in the Whiteson Lab, where he cultured ESKAPE bacterial strains and isolated bacteriophages targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. He holds EMT certification and has worked with Lynch Emergency Medical Services, providing pre-hospital care and collaborating with paramedics and hospital staff during patient transport.

Castaneda currently serves as an EMT on the Street Medicine Team with Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, delivering care to underserved and unhoused populations, including wound care and naloxone distribution. He has held leadership positions in the American Red Cross Club at UCI, serving as Internal Relations Coordinator and External Relations Coordinator, where he organized fundraising initiatives and community outreach programs. He is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Education

• B.S. in Human Biology, University of California, Irvine, 2024