Team
Our 40+ employees form an interdisciplinary team that includes designers, software developers, hardware engineers, A/V media specialists, educators, and scientists.
Jim
Founder, Creative Director
In 1999, Jim Spadaccini founded Ideum, where he is the Creative Director and Founder. He helps direct Ideum’s commercial hardware and software initiatives and provides creative direction for custom software and installation projects.
Becky
Director of Creative Services
Becky is the Director of Creative Services at Ideum. She received her BS in Psychology and MS in Biological Sciences from Idaho State University. As an undergraduate and graduate student, she conducted research on topics such as behavioral pharmacology, developmental neurobiology, parasite-host interactions, and stable isotope analysis. During that time, Becky discovered a passion for science communication while teaching undergraduate labs in general biology, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology. Before joining Ideum, she worked as the Education Specialist for the Idaho Museum of Natural History, managing educational programs and designing and implementing digital interactive components for public exhibits. She also has a keen interest in employing digital museum specimens for education and outreach using digital interactives, augmented reality, and virtual reality. In her spare-time she enjoys nature photography and bird watching. Her photography has been featured in various publications, websites, signage, and social media for organizations such as: the Smithsonian Insider, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Grand Teton National Park,and The Nature Conservancy.
Hugh
Executive Producer
Hugh is an Executive Producer at Ideum, where he leads experience development projects and coordinates Ideum's user experience research. From 2001 to 2016, he was Project Director, Researcher, and Senior Science Writer at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. He led the museum’s Science of Sharing project, an NSF-funded initiative to develop exhibits that allow visitors to experiment with negotiation and collaborative problem-solving and link those experiences to larger societal issues like climate change, international conflict, and environmental sustainability. He was also Co-Curator of the Osher Gallery, which focuses on cognition, social behavior, and the interplay between science, society, and culture, and served as writer, editor, and content developer on the museum’s Mind, Seeing, and Outdoor exhibitions and the Global Climate Change: Research Explorer website.
Miles
Manager of Media Systems
Miles is Manager of Media Systems at Ideum and has nearly 20 years of experience in the technology industry. Over the course of his career, he has developed or managed projects across a variety of disciplines, including: virtual reality development, interactive exhibit design / development, web design / development and motion graphics design. Miles calls upon this diverse background to effectively evaluate and manage projects from a broad range of perspectives.
Miranda
Project Coordinator
Miranda is a Project Coordinator at Ideum. She is originally from Oklahoma and is a proud member of the Pawnee Nation. Miranda graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts with a degree in Interactive Media and Game Design, she additionally has a degree in International Relations. Miranda has experience working in mobile game development and museum interactive development and has spent time working at the White House Initiative for American Indian and Alaska Native Education focusing on indigenous language education. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pawnee Nation Museum.
Morgan
Digital Artist
Morgan Barnard is a digital artist and designer working in the areas of public art, interactive media, immersive installations and live cinema. He creates environments that combine interactivity, data-visualisation and experimental digital techniques. With a background as a director, editor and educator, Morgan brings a broad multidisciplinary skill set to the projects he works on. His work includes the public art lighting project “Tilikum Light” in Portland, Oregon that uses data from the Willamette river to control the color of lights on the Tilikum Crossing bridge and “Sublimare” at the San Diego airport where a dynamic lighting installation is controlled using real-time data from a wave buoy off the coast. His work has been displayed in galleries and installed in urban environments across the US and internationally in New Zealand, Australia, Italy and Canada.
Genevieve
Marketing & Community Relations Manager
Genevieve is a Marketing & Community Relations Manager at Ideum. She is a multi-certified professional with 15 years of marketing and partnership management experience in event, education, STEM and nonprofit industries. She is passionate about creating customer-centric strategies to promote awareness, engagement and growth.
Darold
Project Coordinator
Darold is a Project Coordinator at Ideum dedicated to creating interactive educational experiences consumed at large scale. Darold focuses on communicating through clean and minimal aesthetics, easy to understand user experiences, and captivating storytelling through interactive technologies. He has created interactive large-scale applications for museums around the world, including the Smithsonian, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, the Kayseri Science Center in Turkey, and more. He received his BFA in graphic design at New Mexico State University. In his spare time he is a dedicated volunteer. As the president of AIGA New Mexico, the state chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design, he works to cultivate and enrich a culture of design knowledge and excellence in the New Mexico area through educational outreach and professional events. He is also a member of the board of the University Art Gallery at New Mexico State University.
Kyle
Senior Developer
Kyle Fitzpatrick is a Senior Developer at Ideum with an emphasis on UI/UX programming. Kyle has his BS in Computer Science from New Mexico State University. Before working at Ideum, Kyle developed educational games and applications using Flash, Unity, and HTML5. Kyle’s current interests include computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and robotics.
Rafael
Art Director
Rafael is Ideum’s Art Director, determined to craft unique user experiences by focusing on clean aesthetics, easy-to-understand usability, and compelling storytelling through interactive mediums. Beginning his career as a brand designer in Austin, TX, he has won numerous awards designing successful brand campaigns for non-profit organizations, health institutions, restaurants, and Fortune 500 companies. He also serves as a soldier on weekends in the Air National Guard and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ben
Senior Developer
Ben earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Oregon State University, and subsequently a Ph.D. at UC Davis. He has researched a range of materials, from nuclear fuels to amorphous oxide semiconductors. Aside from his background in physical sciences, however, Ben is also an enthusiastic hobbyist game developer. It is this love of programming user experiences combined with a desire to learn and teach that has brought him to Ideum as a Software Developer in the Creative Services department. Ben also enjoys brewing beer, judging beer (BJCP “Certified” ranked), roasting coffee, hiking, camping, and just generally learning new skills (e.g., guitar).
Braxton
Senior Programmer
Braxton is a Senior Programmer at Ideum. He has a BS in physics from Yale University, a PhD in mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin, and an MSc in computer science from Imperial College London. During his time in academia he was involved in research in a wide range of topics in physics and math. More recently, he has worked as a software developer focusing on the creation of innovative educational applications for multitouch devices. In his spare time he loves to draw and paint, and is a lifelong lover of museums.
Andrew
3D Modeler / Interactive Development Specialist
Andrew is a 3D Artist and Animator at Ideum. Andrew comes to Ideum with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Media Arts and Animation from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago and a strong fine arts background. Andrew has extensive experience working as a 3D artist and on visual effects for television and movies.
Ryan
Multitouch Developer
Ryan Leonski is a Multitouch Developer at Ideum whose focus is creating awesome experiences on large displays. The years before working at Ideum Ryan forged his way as an indie game developer creating games that have too many cats for mobile and PC. Ryan is currently exploring closing the distance between art and it’s audience using techniques derived from his work with game design.
Joseph
Senior Exhibit Designer
Joe is a Senior Exhibit Designer at Ideum specializing in experiential and interactive design. He has designed exhibits and experiences for The Historic New Orleans Collection, the National Air and Space Museum, Mizrahi Developments, and has worked on multiple research and development projects, including "Exploring Pueblo Pottery," winner of a Merit Award from the Society of Experiential Graphic Design. In his spare time, he enjoys music composition and soundtrack production, as well as 3D art and visual effects. Joe has a BA in both Music and English from Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida.
Christopher
Designer Developer II
Christopher Murphy is a Designer and Developer with Ideum, where he aims to create engaging and compelling user experiences. He has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico and subsequently earned a Masters of Architecture from UNM’s School of Architecture and Planning. He has worked as an architectural designer and as a freelance designer and front-end developer. In his free time, Christopher enjoys playing D&D, board games, reading, sipping coffee on the porch, and a myriad of other wonderful things.
Nick
Senior Developer
Nick is an Senior Developer at Ideum. He graduated from UNM with a Bachelors degree in History and is in the process of pursuing a Masters degree in Computer Science. In his free time he is a private piano teacher working from his home studio, focusing mainly in Impressionist classical music. Nick also spends his time volunteering at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department as an adoption counselor and volunteer team mentor.
Glass
Web Developer
Glass has been doing web development for Ideum for over a decade. He began programming in Basic and Fortran in the 70s, explored martial arts and physical security in the 80s, and investigated the copying and printing industry, early typesetting technologies, and rare book / art restoration and conservation in the 90s. Since the dawn of the new millenium he has been working in web-related technologies.
James
Junior Designer / 3D Modeler
James works as a Designer and 3D Modeler at Ideum. He is currently studying Entertainment Design and Film at the University of New Mexico. He has worked on numerous projects in design, motion graphics, game development, and quality assurance for the Lowell Space Observatory, Sullivan Brothers Veteran Museum, New York Racing Association, GestureWorks Gameplay, and others. Outside of the company, James enjoys working as a designer and lead artist for local community projects, animations, and games.
José
Junior Designer
José is a Junior Designer for Ideum. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with an emphasis in Graphic Design, graduating magna cum laude. He has over 6 years experience in graphic design doing freelance work for clients such as the United World College-USA, The Alzheimers Association of New Mexico, New Mexico Association for Museums, small businesses and individuals. In his free time he collects and shoots with vintage and modern day film cameras. He enjoys being in nature and hiking when not behind his computer. Some of his other interests are architecture, cooking, music, cinematography and art.
Ally
Software Developer
Ally is a software developer for Ideum: this involves testing, giving feedback, and writing applications in QML, C++, and Unity. She has a Bachelor of Science with a focus on Computer Science and a minor in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media. Ally has previously worked as an intern where her focus was on GUI's and 3D graphics simulations, as well as shaders and using OpenGL. Her interests are mainly focused on User Interfaces as well as video game design and she has just recently released her first video game online which she made in one semester. In her free time, Ally likes to play video games (especially the Sims) and hang out with friends and family.
Hillary
Junior Designer
Hillary works as a Junior Designer at Ideum. She graduated in 2017 from UCLA’s School of Arts and Architecture with a degree summa cum laude in Design Media Arts. In addition, she also completed a degree in History with a minor in Digital Humanities at UCLA. She is originally from Santa Cruz, California. She is interested in human computer interaction, game development, and exploring the connections between tangibility and digitalism. She hopes to attend graduate school to contemplate these things further in the future.
Alex
Interactive Programmer
Alex is a Software Developer for Ideum. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. Alex has previously worked at the University of Texas at Dallas designing and fabricating interactive exhibits used for K-12 Outreach. When not at work Alex can be found woodworking, hiking, or gardening.
Camber
Illustrator / Developer
Camber Arnhart is an Interactive Programmer and concept artist/illustrator at Ideum. She is a senior at the University of New Mexico working on completing her BS in Computer Science. Before working at Ideum, Camber has worked on a variety of projects, including developing AR applications on the HoloLens. In addition to programming, Camber has 10+ years of experience in creating digital art. In her free time she loves to paint, draw, and create games.
Steven
Junior Photographer / Videographer
Steven is a Junior Photographer / Videographer at Ideum. He has a BFA in Film Production, with a focus on Cinematography, from the University of New Mexico. For the last two years Steven has been a freelance videographer filming public festivals, music videos, instructional videos, and music events. On his free time, he enjoys making short-films, going to concerts, hiking, and fishing New Mexico’s local streams and rivers.
Tom
Industrial Designer II
Tom is an Industrial Designer with Ideum. He earned a BFA in Photography from SUNY New Paltz, and an MFA in Industrial Design from RIT. Tom has designed furniture, CNC machinery, fitness equipment, hand tools, and an interactive electronic costume for the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Tom also enjoys cycling, and is a lifelong woodworker through making furniture, lighting projects, and acoustic guitars.
Stephanie
Industrial Designer
Stephanie is an Industrial Designer at Ideum. She helps with design work, detailed drawings, assembly and anywhere else she is needed. She studied in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian State University earning a bachelor's of Fine and Applied Arts in Industrial Design. She also studied in Kortrijk, Belgium at HOWEST for a semester and used the time to travel around parts of Europe. In her spare time, she enjoys running, listening to music, exploring the world, and reading. Bookstores are often called her weak-spot by friends and family.
Angela
SEC / Director of Finance
Angela Arzave is the Chief Financial Officer for Ideum Inc. She manages Ideum’s finance unit and helps with all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management. Angela assisted in setting up Ideum’s accounting system and her group coordinates domestic and international payments along with logistics for Ideum’s worldwide multitouch hardware sales. Before working in management for Ideum, Angela was a well-known pastry chef at two top restaurants in San Francisco: EOS, and Bacar.
Rita
Assistant Director of Finance
Rita brings extensive knowledge in the audit and accounting fields where she has worked off and on for the past 25 years. Rita brings experience implementing and managing financial and accounting systems for small privately owned businesses. Rita has extensive experience tracking grant funding, inventory tracking and financial reporting. She started her career as a bank auditor and was eventually promoted to Vice President for a small bank in Espanola, New Mexico. Rita holds a BA degree with honors in Business Administration from New Mexico State University. She has lived in Corrales, New Mexico for the past 12 years with her husband and two children.
Jason
Procurement Specialist
Jason is the Procurement Specialist at Ideum. He is currently completing his Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at the University of New Mexico. Prior to joining Ideum, Jason worked at the UNM Controllers Office. Jason has also worked with other areas of UNM and the City of Albuquerque to create and implement standard practices in Internal Auditing and IT implementation/strategy among organizations. Jason is a native northern New Mexican who enjoys the outdoors and auto-mechanics in his off time from work.
Esther
Technical Sales Associate II
Esther is a Technical Sales Associate at Ideum. She earned her MA in English from California State University, Sacramento. In her spare time, Esther enjoys hiking, reading and writing.
Matthew
Hardware Product Manager
Matt works in both the production and prototype shops at Ideum. He is an experienced designer, integrator, and fabricator. His background includes design, fabrication, and sales of high performance fluid control systems, and custom products for use in cleanroom and other critical environments. As a lifelong student of the arts and engineering, his main focus is on design for manufacturing. Away from Ideum, Matt is an avid gamer who enjoys the outdoors, jeeping, and is a vociferous proponent of the reinstatement of Pluto’s rightful planetary status.
David
Exhibit Technician II
David is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum, where he assembles multi-touch tables. He has an extensive background in IT as well as an associates of applied science. He first got into computers thanks to gaming and later learned programming. After some years working for a small business doing IT he decided to return to school, where he graduated from CNM as an electrical technician.
Kaitlin
Exhibit Technician II
Kaitlin is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum. Helping construct multitouch tables she does. She studied in Albuquerque, NM. at University of New Mexico, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Kaitlin's past has been filled with research on infectious diseases to helping her mother build pcs. Teaching at the aquarium and volunteer ESL teacher she does. A passion for teaching and learning she loves. Video games, powerlifting, rugby, walking her dogs, and playing games, these things she does enjoy.
Eddie
Exhibit Technician II
Eddie is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum, where he assembles multi-touch tables. He has an extensive background in IT and Logistics, and helps out wherever he is needed. Growing up in New Mexico he has always had a passion for computers, computer assembly, and anything electronic to take apart, figure out how it works, put it back together again. In his free time, Eddie enjoys gaming, cooking, playing guitar, and reading.
Reuben
Exhibit Technician
Reuben is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of Arizona. His background includes IT, software development, and audio engineering. In his spare time, Reuben enjoys all things music-related, whether playing traditional Irish music on the upright bass or jazz standards on the ukulele, researching the history of space disco, or building his own experimental instruments. He also loves to cook and is dedicated to expanding his knowledge of the world’s regional cuisines.
Cougar
Exhibit Technician
Cougar is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum. Since he was 14, Cougar has been designing electronics and lighting systems for traveling shows and New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center. At the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Cougar maintained servo and fiber-optic systems. He also operated the hydrogen maser distribution system that detects the change from high to low power states of hydrogen molecules to provided the primary frequency for the timing of the interstellar observation antenna array. His hobbies involve building smart homes, micro electronics, pulse-laser rifles, and dancing.
Jack
Exhibit Fabrication Manager
Jack is an Exhibit Fabrication Manager at Ideum, where he manages the Exhibit Fabrication Studio, and assembles and troubleshoots touch tables as well as computer systems. Previously a licensed plumber, Jack is now pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico. After work and on weekends, you are likely to find him renovating his house, camping, or reading and learning about whatever new subject has captured his imagination.
Chase
Exhibit Technician - Wood Focus
Chase is an Exhibit Technician for Ideum. He graduated in 2018 from Cranbrook Academy of Art with an MFA in on object design, and in 2006 from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s of art double majoring in history and philosophy. In the intervening 10 years he walked from Mexico to Canada a number of times, taught yoga, and learned to make an excellent loaf of sourdough bread.
Andrew
Exhibit Technician
Andrew Kastner is an Exhibit Technician at Ideum working in the fabrication shop. He studied photography and graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and promptly moved out to New Mexico after graduating in 2011. He has previously in worked in radio, web design, and home building. In his free time he enjoys DIY projects, curating GIFs, and Lotaburger.
Kyle
Exhibit Technician
Kyle Jakes is an Exhibit Technician. Kyle comes from Tucson, Arizona where he graduated with a degree in Material Science & Engineering from the University of Arizona. His interests are MMA, drones, video games, and snowboarding.
