Abu Mansaray learned about Oklahoma State University through a network of former OSU students who conducted research at Njala University in Sierra Leone, where Abu earned his MS degree in Environmental Chemistry.

Abu’s research uses remote sensing imagery of the Grand Lake, Oklahoma, watershed andin situwater quality measures to develop algorithms which can be used for predictive modeling. By combining Landsat's multispectral reflectance bands with temporally coincident water quality parameters, Abu is developing tools to assist managers in monitoring reservoir ecosystems and forecasting trends, such as imminent pollution spikes that lead to algal blooms. Abu’s advisor is Dr. Scott Stoodley.

As a volunteer with theOklahoma Blue Thumbprogram, Abu assists with monthly monitoring of Stillwater's Feather Creek. He serves as student board member of Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watersheds Association (OCLWA) and is active inOSU’s Fulbright Students & Scholars Associationand the university'sAfrican Students Organization. Abu is also President of theSociety of Environmental Scientists, a multi-disciplinary organization of graduate students who are interested in environmental sciences and related issues.