William Wan is an investigative reporter who writes narrative and high-impact stories at The Washington Post. He often writes about people suffering on the margins of society. In the past two decades, he has reported from more than 20 countries, covering religion, national security, China, the Obama presidency and science. His coverage of mental health during the pandemic contributed to U.S. government action and an unprecedented increase in federal funding. As a foreign correspondent, he uncovered corruption in China’s judicial system and exposed government abuses on Chinese parents and children. He was part of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist team that covered the Fort Hood shooting. Before joining The Post, he worked as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and the Baltimore Sun.

Wan briefed National Press Foundation fellows in May 2025: Mental Health Journalists: ‘Empathy Is My Superpower.’