Maru has a PhD in International Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University She also holds an M.A. in Gender and Peacebuilding from the University of Peace in Costa Rica and an LLB from Mekelle University in Ethiopia. She has teaching experience in international relations, political science, and peace and security. In addition, she has considerable industry experience working on these issues in practice with NGOs and government agencies. Maru has co-authored a research monograph on practical disarmament in Ethiopia published by the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA). Her research looks at conflict warning, migration, women’s political participation, and China-Africa diplomatic relations. She is a member of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (ELWA)