She is currently the Buckman Professor of Design Education and Director of Graduate Studies. Martinson is both a researcher and designer. Research areas include design history concentrating on 19th century illustration, design education, multicultural design, and design process. Both her graphic design and fiber work has been exhibited and published nationally, and has received national awards. She teaches courses in Design, Planning, and Analysis; Design History, Color and Design, and Human Factors for Graphic Designers.