From WFS to Pharmaceutical Engineering: Madeline Malone ’18 Shares Her Journey

After graduating from WFS, Madeline went to Lehigh University, where she earned her B.S. in chemical engineering with a biomolecular concentration and a minor in Chinese. She has since built a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and gave students a fascinating look into her work as a process engineer, sharing how science, problem-solving, and collaboration come together in real-world applications.

During her presentation, Madeline walked students through her journey from WFS to college and into the workforce, highlighting how her interests evolved along the way. She spoke candidly about the challenges of engineering programs, balancing academic and social life, and navigating major and career decisions. She also spoke about the wide range of opportunities within engineering, from environmental and biomedical fields to manufacturing and process optimization, and offered a behind-the-scenes look at how vaccines are developed and produced. Madeline also shared that her minor in Chinese (an interest that began at WFS) enabled her to travel to Taiwan for work.

Madeline’s advice to students was to try new things, don’t be afraid to ask questions, build connections, and advocate for yourself. She emphasized the importance of real-world experience, mentorship, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.

We are so grateful to Madeline for sharing her time, insight, and encouragement with our students and for helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.