Lan Lan holds a master's degree in International Relations with a concentration on China from the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (formerly Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies) and she earned a bachelor's degree in Chinese Studies and History from UC San Diego. Previously, she taught Chinese language at UC San Diego as an instructor and a teaching assistant. Her academic background is in Chinese history, literature, politics and economics. Lan applies this knowledge in language courses to inspire students to learn more about China, the people, the language and its diverse and wondrous culture.