Alain Mota

Alain Mota serves as the Design Project Manager for the Master of Arts in Design and Innovation program, where he leads professional-facing initiatives that connect the design team with non-academic contract projects. In this role, Alain collaborates with the creative director, alumni designers, graduate students, and clients to address complex, multidimensional challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Before joining the design program, Alain worked at the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education as a Program Manager, overseeing engineering camps on and off the SMU campus, managing the Movable Maker Space known as the “Maker Truck,” and supporting the THRIVE Scholars peer mentorship program. Alain’s career in higher education began at the Research in Mathematics Education unit, coordinating projects focused on teacher development and active learning in STEM, as well as algebraic readiness for students with special needs.

Prior to transitioning to higher education, Alain spent 12 years in public education in roles ranging from classroom teacher to STEM department head and Science campus coordinator. Alain also brings experience in environmental consulting within aquatic toxicology and research in water quality standards, blending technical expertise with a passion for education and design innovation.

Alain’s design approach emphasizes building trust between teams and clients while maintaining transparency in design processes and methods, ensuring that client needs and aspirations are thoughtfully stewarded throughout every project.