Hao's research interests cover Chinese history and culture from the late Qing dynasty to the Republic of China, concentrating on modernity production and cultural exchanges with the West and Japan. Hao's doctoral dissertation focuses on Asianist discourse in China, specifically the Chinese revolution, modernization, and nationalism construction processes. She is also fascinated by the history of modern Chinese thought, especially the works of Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao, Zhang Taiyan, Li Dazhao, and others.