Dr. Curtis received her formal education at the University of Florida (UF), receiving bachelor's degrees in Microbiology & Cell Science and in Chemistry, as well as a doctoral degree in Cell and Developmental Biology. Dr. Curtis held postdoctoral training positions with Dr. Edward Scott at UF, Dr. Christopher A. Klug at UAB and Dr. Paul W. Sanders in Nephrology at UAB. She subsequently transitioned to the faculty in the Division of Nephrology at UAB in 2007.