Welcoming New Faculty: In the Labs and on Stage

Every year, Seoul Foreign School welcomes new students and faculty with lots of fresh insights to bring to our community. With a great number of new teachers stepping foot into our campus this school year, get a glimpse into the stories of Dr. Madge, who you may have seen in the science labs, and Ms. Fernandez, our new theater director.

Dr. Madge is originally from the United Kingdom, as you might have noticed from her crisp British accent. Her teaching journey ranges from classrooms in Qatar to Singapore, and now to her current destination: Seoul, Korea. When asked about her hobbies, Dr. Madge claims to be a "pretty boring person", commenting that her sole idea of fun involves working out. But after delving into her scientific background, the word "boring" seems just the opposite of our new science teacher.

Prior to teaching, Dr. Madge worked in the lab as a research scientist. As an undergraduate transitioning into a scientist, Dr. Madge conducted fascinating research in the field of embryology, unraveling the intricate science of embryo development. While earning her master's degree, Dr. Madge ventured into advanced cardiology. She worked extensively on experiments where she “took out stem cells to turn them into heart tissue, so we can repair people’s hearts”. Her primary focus was on the respiratory field, where she pondered the complexities of chronic lung disease in smokers. As a result of her efforts, Dr. Madge’s research contributed to the crucial cures that save lives.

After volunteering at seminars for college students during her master's education, Dr. Madge discovered her love for teaching. This took a turn in her career which fueled her journey into our classrooms. She's here to share her invaluable insights integrated with her love of teaching. With that said, let's welcome Dr. Madge, the scientist-turned-teacher who has so much to bring to our science department!

Next, let's open the curtains for the new director, Ms. Fernandez. Relocating from Brent International School in Manila, Philippines, Ms. Fernandez was enthralled by the vibrant arts community SFS has to offer. Ms. Fernandez’s passion for theater began when she was a little girl. She further commented on her childhood stating that she used to "always perform and sing in front of my family. I'm the youngest of nine children, so I always had an audience too." Her inner thespian was unleashed on stage during college, where she showcased her talents as an actress. However, her experiences in many different facets of theater other than the stage, including publicity and stage management, became the foundation for her proficiency in directing. “There is no small job,” Ms. Fernandez added. “Little jobs help understand the big picture.”

As the daughter of an English teacher at Brent, teaching came naturally to her as she found herself enjoying teaching theatre workshops. While she acknowledges the “big shoes to fill for Mrs. Moon,” she emphasizes the incredible support she has received from the theater team during her transition that has helped her become more confident in her role as the new schoolwide director. With Ms. Fernandez’s first production of Disney's High School Musical coming in October, don’t forget to look out for tickets!