Manhan Gu is currently pursuing a master's degree in public affairs in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs in the University of Texas at Austin. She also works there as a research assistant on Chinese agricultural development. Before coming to the U.S., she obtained a bachelor’s in finance in China Foreign Affairs University.
Gu's research interests include economic development and social policy. During her internship with PlaNet Finance China, she worked on a financial inclusion project with local microfinance companies in Ningxia Province, designing financial training tools for women in rural areas.