David Curtis, MS

Professor of Biology and Microbiology

Educational Background:
B. S. - Biology (1994) from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL
M. S. - Molecular Biology and Microbiology (2008) from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL
PhD - Biomedical Sciences (ABD) from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL

Teaching Background
Teacher of Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology (1996 - 2001) at Atlantic High School in Port Orange, FL
Graduate Teaching Assistant for Microbiology (2003 - 2007) at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL
Adjunct Professor of Biology and Microbiology (2008 - 2011) at Valencia College, East Campus in Orlando, FL
Tenured Professor of Biology and Microbiology (2011 - present) at Valencia College, West Campus in Orlando, FL

Professional Accomplishments
Tenured Faculty - Valencia College (2014)
LifeMap Certification (2015 - 2016)
Grace Gillan Endowed Chair Award (2017 - 2018)
Faculty Senate President - West Campus (2017 - 2018)
John and Suzanne Rouche Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017 - 2018)
PIVOT 360 Leadership Cadre (2018 - 2019)
Active Learning Certification (2018 - 2019)
Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity (SEED) I and SEED II participant (2020-2021)


Contact

West Campus
AHS-215
(407) 582-5733
dcurtis8@valenciacollege.edu

Hours

MONDAY: 9:00am - 12:00pm (email or Zoom)
TUESDAY: 9:00am - 12:00pm (email or Zoom)
WEDNESDAY: 1:00pm - 2:00pm (AHS-215)
THURSDAY: 9:00am - 10:00am (AHS-215)
FRIDAY: 9:00am - 11:00am (email or Zoom)

Teaching Philosophy: My personal and professional teaching philosophy stems from my desire to help students achieve their ultimate potential, both within my classes and beyond, as they transition from Valencia College to a university and/or into their desired career programs. Although the term “teacher” is often used to describe my chosen profession, I believe the term “facilitator” is equally accurate since I see my role as one of assisting my students in their learning while they, in turn, help me to continue to grow as a teacher. I believe it is also my responsibility to prepare students for the advanced courses they will eventually take, as many of my students have chosen to pursue careers within the medical sciences. Finally, I strive to stay motivated within my own discipline so that my enthusiasm for what I have chosen to study is made evident to my students. By putting the student’s education first and keeping my knowledge of my discipline fresh and exciting in my mind, I hope to provide the best possible educational experience for students in my courses.