Upon graduating from the University of Iowa, Wu worked for Hydronautics, Inc. as a research scientist within the Fluid Motions Division, and in 1966, became head of that division. In 1972, Wu was promoted again, to lead the Hawaii-based Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Division.[6] Wu joined the University of Delaware faculty in 1974, and held the H. Fletcher Brown Professorship in Marine Studies and Civil Engineering from 1980 to 1998.[4][7] In Taiwan, he served as the president of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) from 1994 to 1996.[2][4]
Minister for Education
Wu was selected by President Lee Teng-hui to serve as Taiwan's education minister in June 1996.[2]
He was known for his progressive views on the reforms needed in Taiwan's educational system.[2]
Wu stepped down as Minister for Education in February 1998.[2] His resignation was due to a difference of opinion dispute between himself and the president of Academia Sinica, Lee Yuan-tseh, over the pace and types of educational reforms needed.[2] (Lee Yuan-tseh had previously chaired a panel force in the 1980s which had led to a number of changes concerning education in Taiwan.[2])
Wu's health began to deteriorate in December 2007 following a trip to Mainland China.[2] He died on 14 January 2008 at National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan, Taiwan, at the age of 74.[2] Wu was survived by his wife, Tzu-Chen C. Wu. His funeral took place in Tainan on 27 January 2008.[2][7]
