Manoa’s Meritorious Teachers

Janice Smith
Department of Chemistry

Janice Smith is a professor in the Department of Chemistry. Students often approach chemistry without enthusiasm or they might be intimidated because their background in math is weak. Smith believes it is a teacher’s job to dispel those fears.

She believes that a gifted instructor can create a friendly environment that allows students to concentrate on learning the material rather than worrying about it. She feels that a teacher can be a strong role model in a student’s life. In her own career, students look upon her as a successful female scientist who juggles a busy career with a rich family life. In this way a teacher’s influence can extend well beyond the classroom.

A major project Smith is undertaking is to transition the organic chemistry laboratories to safer and less costly microscale experimentation. This involved revising and updating the entire organic chemistry laboratory curriculum, which serves hundreds of students each year. Smith also serves as faculty advisor to the student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society.