Data visualization · 2025–present
STEM Math Connections Explorer
Making the connections in learning visible.
An interactive exploration of how calculus supports advanced courses in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. Built for the ETS and WestEd Degree Mapping Project, it helps educators, researchers, and students trace concepts across degree pathways.
- Role
- Developer & Visualization Designer
- Tools
- D3.js, JavaScript, HTML / CSS, Mermaid
- Team
- ETS & WestEd / Degree Mapping Project
Where does calculus go next?
Calculus is a required gateway for many students, yet its connections to later coursework are often unclear. The explorer makes these connections visible to support curriculum design, advising, and student pathways.
Two disciplines. Connected foundations.
Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering have dedicated mapping tools. Visitors can select discipline-specific areas or topics and explore the related calculus concepts, connection strengths, and written rationales.
Two ways to explore the same relationships.
A ranked list surfaces calculus concepts most strongly connected to selected topics. The concept map supports zooming, panning, and discovery across clusters. Multi-select filters and written rationales help visitors understand both the strength and meaning of each connection.
A maintainable path from concepts to a graph.
I built the front end with HTML, CSS, vanilla JavaScript, and D3.js. A data pipeline converts structured concept definitions, including Mermaid maps, into graph-ready JSON. Topic labels and rationale datasets keep the visual interface connected to the curriculum research.
Making a dense network approachable.
The work includes responsive graph behavior, sorting, onboarding, informative empty states, and transitions that explain what changed after filtering. The underlying mappings draw on syllabi, textbooks, and expert review. The static architecture supports version-controlled releases through GitHub Pages.
Explore the current version.
The live project includes the latest degree mappings, usage guidance, methods, team information, and dissemination updates. Open the explorer below to work directly with the current release.
Try the current explorer
Use the live tool here, or open it in a new tab for more space.