From WFS to Pharmaceutical Engineering: Madeline Malone ’18 Shares Her Journey
Madeline Malone ’18 came back to campus in May and spoke with our upper school STEMinist club!
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.
While visiting Paris, Jimmy Butterfield ’20 and Liam Hudgings ’20 enjoyed a reunion at Fête de la Musique, the global free music festival held each June 21 to celebrate the summer solstice.
1st grade teacher Sia Willie won the Black Author Award from the Black Authors Association (BAA) for her children’s book, “Liberian Rice Bread. Be on the lookout for her book as it will be featured in Times Square later this summer. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Sia!
Students traveled on a WFS Language Trip to Spain, exploring the country's rich history, culture, and regional diversity through experiences in Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla, and the small town of Dílar.
What makes our school so special? Sometimes it's the people who choose to come back. Did you know that 15 members of 2025-2026 Wilmington Friends School faculty and staff are also WFS alumni?
Former WFS art teacher and parent of alum Cynthia Mellow returned to campus this spring, stepping in as a substitute for Teacher Teal and working with students in grades 1–5.
WFS staff member Javier Rodriguez stopped by 1st grade Spanish class where he taught them a traditional Mexican song and explained the origin and history of the piñata. After this, students had a blast taking turns swinging at the piñata. Thank you, Javier!
5th grade ukulele players took their music on the road during the final week of school, visiting classrooms to share a short performance and a little joy.
During the final week of school, 2nd and 3rd graders took their learning beyond the classroom, participating in hands-on experiences that brought history and social studies to life.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.