Alan D. Curtis

Background

About Alan D. Curtis

My mother never really got upset when I disassembled her appliances just to learn how they worked, although I suppose she should have. Instead, she fostered my curiosity. As a research scientist for the past 16 years, my curiosity has been focused on the immune system and the microbes it protects against. I have a strong background in basic immunology in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, which I have amassed through didactic and laboratory training associated with graduate school and postdoctoral experiences. I have used both autoimmune and infectious disease models as well as vaccinology to enhance our understanding of T cell biology. My technical expertise encompasses tissue culture, multi-parameter flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Mentoring and teaching are the most important and rewarding aspects of my career. I take pride in helping students reach their goals in science, such as graduate school, a thesis, or medical school. I have been mentoring undergraduate students since 2007, when I graduated with my B.Sc. I like to think I enjoy mentoring because I had many great mentors myself, particularly in the classroom setting.When I’m not “sciencing”, I enjoy time with my wife of 12 years and our three small children, noodling on the guitar, and professional American football.