Wurlig's areas of specialization include social and cultural transitions of modern China, ethnic tourism and pop culture of Chinese ethnic minorities, and comparative studies of Asian diasporas and globalization. Her research and publishing focus on ethnic education and identity politics in Inner Mongolia and China, Chinese orientalism, American interdisciplinary teaching, and Asian immigration policies in the U.S.

Wurlig teaches a variety of courses including “Intro to Ethnic Studies,” “Intro to Chinese Studies,” “China in Global Transition,” “Asian Diaspora and Globalization,” and “Chinese and Japanese Pop Cultures.” Wurlig is also fond of singing Chinese ethnic folksongs and often performs them for her classes.