Montserrat Rabago-Smith

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Rabago-Smith’s teaching philosophy is to ensure that students understand and apply what they are learning. As Charles Kettering said, “There is a great difference between knowing and understanding: you can know a lot about something and not really understand it.”  She strives to create the best environment to promote learning, understanding, and scientific development. For innovation to be borne of understanding, Dr. Rabago-Smith creates a learning environment that includes a solid theoretical foundation enhanced by a safe and open laboratory experience.

She has very high expectations of her students and anticipates that they will perform at their best. She tries to play up their strengths and correct their weaknesses. She will assess each student independently and adjust her teaching style accordingly. As a result, she incorporates student success into her own professional development. Dr. Rabago-Smith collaborates with students to present research results, publish research findings, and develop educational curricula.