[9] Tremaine's academic career started as a lecturer and later assistant professor in the University of Michigan Business School, then in 1988 she became associate professor in the Computer Science Department of the University of Toronto, Canada, and a part of the Dynamic Graphics Project.

In 2008, she was a research professor at Rutgers University with joint appointments in the College of Communication and Information and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

[10] Tremaine is known for psychology studies of early interactive user interfaces,[13][14] collaborative software,[2][15] and for developing a framework for cost-justifying usability engineering.

[17] Tremaine has developed educational programs in HCI and related fields, such as the Master of Business and Science on User Experience Design at Rudgers University.

[citation needed] Marilyn Tremaine enjoys cooking and catering formal dinners.