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 and in situ water 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 the Oklahoma Blue Thumb program, 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 in OSU’s Fulbright Students & Scholars Association and the university's African Students Organization. Abu is also President of the Society of Environmental Scientists, a multi-disciplinary organization of graduate students who are interested in environmental sciences and related issues.