Driven to Make a Difference
Growing up in Mayhill, N.M. — a town with a population of 34 — Mason Curtis saw firsthand the challenges rural communities face when it comes to accessing healthcare.
“There were people who didn’t necessarily trust doctors or didn’t have the time to drive an hour to the nearest clinic,” he recalled. That experience inspired him to pursue medicine, specifically family medicine, so he could bridge that gap and serve those in need.
Mason knew he needed a solid foundation in science. That’s what pushed him to dive into research.
Now a student at the University of North Dakota, Mason is on an ambitious path. Enrolled in UND’s accelerated 4+1 Biology program, he is simultaneously completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
His academic journey was shaped by faculty members who encouraged him early on. “One of my professors told me that if I wanted to be a physician, I needed a solid foundation in science,” he said. “That’s what pushed me to change my major to biology and dive into research.”
Beyond the classroom, Mason has dedicated himself to research and teaching. As a teaching assistant in the Department of Biology, he finds fulfillment in helping students grasp complex concepts.
“The best part is when you see students have that ‘a-ha!’ moment. It’s even more rewarding when it clicks after they had struggled at first,” he said.
Mason credits Dr. Keith Henry's biological sciences lab for improving his lab skills and critical thinking.
His research experience has been equally impactful. At UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Mason has been involved in projects focusing on serotonin transporters, which play a role in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
His dedication earned him a spot at Mayo Clinic for a prestigious summer research internship, where he studied treatments for alcohol use disorders.
“Being at Mayo showed me how science and medicine work together. It was incredible to see physicians collaborating, asking ‘How can we apply this to patients?’” Mason said.
The professors here genuinely care. My research mentor, Dr. Keith Henry, has been instrumental in teaching me lab skills and critical thinking.
Mason credits much of his academic growth to the faculty who have supported him along the way.
“The professors here genuinely care,” he said. “My research mentor, Dr. Keith Henry, has been instrumental in teaching me lab skills and critical thinking.”
He’s also found that the way classes are structured has pushed him to think more critically. Instead of just memorizing information from lectures, he's learned to apply concepts through problem-solving activities, a skill he knows will be invaluable in medical school.
“It’s one thing to learn something from a textbook but actually working through a case study and figuring it out yourself — that’s when it really sticks,” he said.
As a teaching assistant in the Department of Biology, Mason finds fulfillment in helping students grasp complex concepts.
Looking ahead, Mason hopes to attend medical school at UND’s and specialize in family medicine, with an eye on pursuing both his M.D. and Ph.D.
‘Family medicine is special because you see patients through all stages of life,” he explained. “You’re not just a doctor — you’re part of the community.”
Mason’s story serves as an inspiration for students from small towns who dream big.
“I want people to know that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything. UND gave me the support to turn my goals into reality.”
I want people to know that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything. UND gave me the support to turn my goals into reality.