Richie Melloni, a 1981 graduate of WHS, has worked as a university scientist and professor for over 30 years. He ran a thriving research program at Northeastern University where he also served as Chair of the College of the Science Promotion Committee and Director of the  Undergraduate Behavioral Neuroscience Program.

After graduating from Wareham, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. He earned his Master’s degree for Psychology and Neuroscience from Hartford University and his PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

When reminiscing about his school days in Wareham he said, “ I remember learning being fun. In particular,having engaging and knowledgeable teachers like Dennis Nobrega who brought a level of excitement to teaching an advanced high school course in organic chemistry. (Fun fact, Dennis Nobrega has come out of retirement to teach chemistry at WHS for the 2023/24 school year!) Dr. Melloni believes that the challenging AP courses prepared him well for his university courses.

Dr. Melloni founded the Dick Melloni Youth Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission was to enhance the education, health, and welfare of Wareham youth, in 1996. He has received numerous awards for his work with this organization including being named the Wareham Man of the Year by the New Bedford Standard Times in 2004.

As for advice to current students, Dr. Melloni wisely points out that “there is no substitute for hard work. Establish a routine that will work for you personally and stick to it. The hardest endeavors are often the most rewarding.”

It’s clear that Dr. Melloni’s Wareham experience, his hard work in college, his career, and in his charitable endeavors has served him and the town well.