Wei Ying Wong

Dr Wei Ying Wong is president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center, bringing nearly two decades of experience in interdisciplinary and multicultural conservation projects in Alaska and internationally.

She joined the organisation in December 2021 as chief science and education officer, where she led efforts to strengthen and expand its science and education programmes and develop a forward-looking science agenda. She was appointed president and CEO on 31 March 2024.

Wong combines a social science background with strategic leadership to develop conservation programmes that engage diverse stakeholders and deliver measurable outcomes.

She is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue, advancing socially just environmental policies and addressing entrenched power imbalances within the conservation sector. Her work reflects a multidisciplinary approach to marine science and conservation, connecting research, education and community engagement.

She holds an MA and PhD in Environmental Studies from Brown University and continues to pursue research interests in invasion ecology. Her work has been supported by several research fellowships, including a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Communication and the Margaret Sheridan Community Learning Award.

Wong has also participated in leadership development programmes, including the Toyota-Audubon Conservation Leader programme, the Rhode Island Foundation Emerging Non-Profit Leader programme, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Executive Leadership programme.