Wu became one of the first female professors at the UW‑Madison's Physics Department.
In September 1977, Sau Lan Wu became an assistant professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, breaking a significant gender barrier as one of the first two female professors in the department’s history. This appointment marked a monumental and pioneering moment for women in science, particularly in physics, which had been a field heavily dominated by men. Wu's appointment reflected not only her academic prowess and research achievements but also her ability to challenge longstanding barriers in academia. Her presence and role as a faculty member have inspired countless young scientists, especially women, to pursue their interests in the sciences.