Dr Gu has been engaged in advancing forest biomass utilization and greenhouse gas emission reduction applying the life cycle assessment tool and economic analysis tool, bolstering innovation of wood use in green building products development. She has also focused on Mass Timber Building sustainability assessment using the Whole Building LCA and LCC analysis to support the policies in resource management and utilization.

US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory provides expertise and scientific leadership on the environmental performance of traditional and innovative wood products and emerging wood building materials along with evaluating indicators of forest sustainability.