F. Xavier Castellanos (born November 16, 1953) is a Bolivian neuroscientist who is the director of research at the NYU Child Study Center.
He continues to make significant contributions to research into the neurobiological substrates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
An avid reader, especially intrigued with science and math, he attended Catholic schools in New Orleans and later received a scholarship to Vassar College, where he became fascinated with the work of Noam Chomsky.
After graduation, working as a professional translator in New Orleans, during which time he translated Jean Piaget's Epistemology and Psychology of Functions: Studies in Genetic Epistemology from French to English, Dr. Castellanos began work on a master's degree in experimental psychology at The University of New Orleans, where he became fascinated by the discovery of endorphins.
After winning several awards, including the prestigious Chancellor's Award for Overall Excellence and induction into AOA, the national medical honor society, he graduated in 1986 and continued his medical training at The University of Kentucky, where he was one of the first graduates of the "Triple Board" program in psychiatry, pediatrics and child psychiatry.
In 1991, Dr. Castellanos became a Research Fellow in the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. Judith L. Rapoport.
In 2001, he left the NIMH to assume the position of Director of Research Training at the New York University Child Study Center.
Dr. Castellanos is the Brooke and Daniel Neidich Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine.
Blumenthal JD, James RS, Ebens CL, Walter JM, Zijdenbos A, Evans AC, Giedd JN, Rapoport JL.