Carina Mata Instructional Design · Mathematics · Content Creation

Instructional Design · Math Education

Learning experiences
built around the learner.

I start with who's learning, then build everything else.

Learning outcomes Concept sequencing Mathematical representation Interactive tools
Math Content Editorial Design Visual Representation

The Function of Color: Visualizing Functions

A comparative analysis of three standard function representations — machine diagram, map diagram, and composition notation — with revised diagrams that apply consistent color encoding and isolate each concept from visual noise.

  • Each revised diagram strips the representation down to one idea and encodes domain and range with a consistent color system across all three examples.
  • Diagrams produced from LaTeX source with a custom build pipeline exporting WebP, retina PNG, and SVG.
  • Demonstrates editorial judgment about when a diagram is doing instructional work — and when it isn't.
View portfolio piece
Healthcare Education Interactive Design Outcome-First

Math Foundations for Nursing: Textbook & Interactive Practice

The biggest barrier in dosage calculation instruction isn't comprehension. It is closing the gap between reading a worked example and writing something down to complete the calcution. This online textbook is organized by question type and paired with an interactive dimensional analysis tool built in Python.

  • Textbook sequenced outcome-first — each module is organized around what students need to do, not just what they need to know.
  • Interactive practice tool built from scratch in Python and deployed to the browser via WebAssembly — drag-and-drop factor chains with live unit cancellation feedback.
  • Designed to support a live virtual workshop delivery model for workforce development cohorts.
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Adult learning Data literacy Lesson design

Intro to Data: Shared Vocabulary Lesson

A lesson for adult career-changers entering a data science program, designed to establish shared vocabulary before any tool or technique is introduced.

  • Anchored to a single core idea and sequenced supporting concepts around it.
  • Checks for understanding that distinguish vocabulary recall from conceptual interpretation.
  • Designed to reduce downstream confusion in later tooling-focused modules.
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Test Prep Tool Fluency Decision-making

How and When to Use Desmos on the SAT

A student-facing reference guide that teaches when the graphing calculator is the right tool.

  • Side-by-side algebraic vs. calculator paths for five common question types.
  • Frames the tool as a decision based on each student's own algebra proficiency.
  • Designed for tutoring students preparing for the Digital SAT.
View guide

Start with the learner's next reliable move. In technical subjects, early momentum matters.

Sequence for understanding. I prioritize dependencies and misconceptions so practice builds fluency instead of reinforcing gaps.

Assess to create feedback, not just scores. Checks for understanding are designed to reveal what to do next, both for the learner and the instructor.

Open to roles in curriculum design, content creation, and math and technical instruction.

A selection of curriculum and instructional design work across math education, adult learning, and technical training.

Math Content Editorial Design Visual Representation

The Function of Color: Visualizing Functions

Revised diagrams for three standard function representations, each redesigned to isolate a single concept and apply consistent color encoding across domain, range, input, and output.

View portfolio piece
Adult learning Data literacy Lesson design

Understanding Data: Introductory Lesson

Slide-based lesson for adults entering data training with no technical background—focuses on structure, vocabulary, and interpretation.

View sample
Test prep Tool fluency Decision-making

How and When to Use Desmos on the SAT

Student-facing reference guide that teaches when the graphing calculator is the right tool for a given SAT question—framed around each student's algebra proficiency.

View sample
Healthcare Education Interactive Design Outcome Driven

Math Foundations for Nursing: Textbook & Interactive Practice

The biggest barrier in dosage calculation instruction isn't comprehension, it's closing the gap between reading a worked example and writing anything down. This resource addresses that directly: an online textbook organized by question type paired with an interactive dimensional analysis tool where students build conversion chains by dragging and dropping number and unit cards before committing to paper and pencil.

This online textbook reflects an outcome-first approach where each module is sequenced around what students need to be able to do, not just what they need to know. The interactive tool lowers the stakes for a first attempt and makes the structure of dimensional analysis visible before it becomes procedural. It has been an effective live demonstration tool in math workshops.

View Textbook & Interactive Tool

I'm a math-focused instructional designer and curriculum developer, who specializes in the subjects where clear sequencing and precise representation matter most: mathematics, quantitative reasoning, and technical content.

I've designed and delivered instruction across K–12 math, undergraduate mathematics, test preparation, and adult upskilling. Time in industry as a decision science analyst sharpened my ability to translate quantitative work for non-technical audiences — a standard I bring to everything I design. Notation should be unambiguous, representations should earn their place, and every design decision should reduce load on the reader. When a static diagram isn't enough, I build interactive tools from scratch.

I serve on the board of a Latina-focused digital tech literacy nonprofit as a bilingual tech advisor. This community work connects directly to my interest in making technical content accessible to learners who have historically been underserved by it. Outside of work, I am a dedicated guitarist who primarily performs fingerstyle and classical repertoire.

The University of Texas at Austin · Bachelor of Science and Arts in Mathematics and History
  • Mathematical content design: notation, representation, and concept sequencing
  • Learning outcome definition, dependency mapping, and prerequisite analysis
  • Assessment design: items, rubrics, and formative checks
  • Editorial judgment on mathematical representation and notation
  • Interactive instructional tool design and development
  • Middle school through undergraduate mathematics
  • Adult and workforce learners in quantitative subjects
  • Remediation for quantitative subjects
Curriculum & Content
Learning objectives Curriculum mapping Concept sequencing Assessment writing Item writing Rubrics Facilitation
Quantitative
Python SQL R Databricks Data literacy Tableau
Publishing & Platforms
LaTeX MathJax Markdown GitHub Pages MkDocs LMS: Canvas, Moodle