Wei Kuo-yen

Wei Kuo-yen is a Taiwanese oceanographer. He was the Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration from 3 March 2014 to 20 May 2016.

Education

Wei graduated from National Taiwan University with a Bachelor of Science in geology in 1975 and a Master of Science in geology in 1978. He then completed doctoral studies in the United States, earning his Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island in 1987 under oceanographer James P. Kennett. His doctoral dissertation was titled, "Tempo and mode of evolution in neogene planktonic foraminifera: Taxonomic and morphological evidence".

Academic career

After receiving his doctorate, Wei completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He then taught geology and geophysics as an assistant professor at Yale University.

Political career

Wei was named the Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration in February 2014. After the T.S. Taipei ran aground off the coast of Shimen District on 10 March 2016 and caused an oil spill, Wei attempted to resign.

Personal life

Wei suffered heart attack during a legislative hearing on 31 March 2016 and was admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital.