Michelle Martinez completed her undergraduate work at Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing as well as two professional certificates from CSU's Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicities. Her certificates are in Chicano/Latino Studies and Native American Studies. Michelle completed her MFA in creative writing at Arizona State University as well as a doctorate in literature with a focus in cultural studies. Her dissertation, titled, "Keeping Betty Ugly: Manufactured Diversity on Prime Time TV" examines the representation of Latinas on television using Ugly Betty (ABC 2006-2010) as the primary case study. Over the years, she has taught both as a teaching assistant and faculty associate as well as served as advisor for the Department of Transborder Chicano/a and Latino/a Studies. Currently she is a instructor for in the Film and Media Studies program.