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.
Rebecca
Executive Producer
Becca is an Executive Producer at Ideum, specializing in exhibition planning and design for museums and corporate clients. She has 20 years of experience directing projects ranging from nature centers and natural history museums, to art, cultural, and historical museums. She received her BA in Industrial Design from Carnegie Mellon and MLA in Museum Studies from Harvard. Becca promotes innovation in areas such as issues-based content, accessible design, and inclusive interpretation.
Darold
Producer
Darold is a Producer at Ideum dedicated to empowering creative teams to create interactive digital experiences for public spaces. Informed by his half-decade of experience as a user experience designer, he now directs projects with a holistic approach to building experiences that create shared moments and foster community. He has managed a wide range of projects from guiding museums bringing technology into their spaces for the first time to managing the evolution of established products over the years.
Jenny
Project Coordinator
Jenny is a Project Coordinator at Ideum. She has a background in Environmental Education, working for over a decade as an instructor, program manager, and zookeeper. She has led outdoor, hands-on, science classes with children, introduced zoo visitors to a wide variety of animals, and coordinated many special events educating thousands of people about wildlife. Working with children, animals, and special events has cultivated a focus on flexibility, and she is happy to lean on this quality as a project coordinator. Jenny recently completed a master’s degree in Public Administration, concentrating in Nonprofit Management. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management through the Project Management Institute, as well as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Parks Association. In her free time she enjoys outdoor explorations, candlemaking, picnics, and scouring thrift stores for treasures.
Dov
Project Coordinator
Dov is a Project Coordinator at Ideum and a recent initiate to New Mexico’s elevation, bright sun, and propensity for all things green chile. He has an educational background in environmental science and a varied professional background that ranges from working in clinics to promote adolescent speech development to supporting tech supply for government entities, to managing a wine import/distribution company in the midwest. In his spare time he can be found tooling around in a kitchen, supporting the excellence that is San Antonio Spurs basketball, or hiking with his dog, Havarti.
Natalie
Content Development Coordinator
Natalie is a Content Development Coordinator for Ideum. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature from Colorado State University, and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Syracuse University. From 2016 to 2020 she worked in a variety of cultural institutions, including libraries, archives, museums, and zoos. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, making pottery, and talking about reading and writing and making pottery.
Kyle
Director of Software
Kyle is the Director of Software at Ideum where he and a team of talented developers take on many challenging (and rewarding) programming projects. Before Ideum, Kyle worked as an application developer at NMSU Media Productions while he earned his bachelor’s of science in computer science (from NMSU). During his time at Ideum, Kyle has worked on a number of diverse projects, including permanent exhibits at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, a patented process for real time communication between touch tables and hand held devices, and a utility application which enables users to control applications through various means, such as touch-screens, motion cameras, and voice activated inputs. In his free time, Kyle enjoys playing video games, reading, and programming.
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.
Andrew
3D Modeler / Interactive Development Specialist
Andrew is a 3D Modeler 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.
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.
Robert
Technology Systems Design Engineer II
Robert is a Technology Systems Design Engineer II for Ideum. He works in Ideum’s Creative Services group helping plan and execute AV and IoT projects. Rob has helped design and deploy projection environments, video and LED tile walls, and integrated custom kiosks and exhibits. Away from Ideum, Robert is a mixed media artist creating blown glass sculpture and drinkware. In his free time, him and his two dogs enjoy the outdoors by going backpacking, fishing, and skating around the city.
Glass
Web Developer
Glass has been a Web Developer with 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 and early 00s. Since the dawn of the new millenium Glass has been working in web-related technologies.
James
Technical Artist
James is a Technical Artist at Ideum who focuses on 3D modeling, illustration, UX/UI design, and animation. He has worked on numerous projects, including applications for the Albuquerque Biopark, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Outside of work, James enjoys volunteering as a local swing dance instructor and DJ for various studios and community centers. He has a degree in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media from the University of New Mexico.
José
Interactive Designer
José is a Interactive 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
Developer II
Ally is a Software Developer at Ideum. Ally graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media. Her interests are mainly focused on User Interfaces and video game design, but is also interested in web development and content management systems. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, cooking, and being outside.
Alex
Developer II
Alex is a Interactive Programmer 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 II
Camber Arnhart is an Illustrator and Developer at Ideum. She is a senior at the University of New Mexico working on completing her BS in Computer Science. Before coming to Ideum, Camber 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. In his free time, he enjoys making short-films, going to concerts, hiking, and fishing New Mexico’s local streams and rivers.
Alexander
Developer II
Alex Booher is an Interactive Programmer for Ideum. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media and a minor in Computer Science. Before coming to Ideum he worked on several interactive projects, some of them leveraging skeleton tracking or the Microsoft Hololens. During his free time, Alex enjoys playing tabletop games, photography, reading, and creating games with friends
Sonia
Interactive Designer
Sonia is an Interactive Designer at Ideum. She has studied Digital Media, Graphic Design and Print Making. She has over 10 years of experience doing freelance work for a vast variety of clients and industries including local small businesses and national non-profit organizations. She focuses her work on storytelling and creating meaningful connections through the influence of design. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, crafting, drawing and painting.
Jon
Media Systems Technician
A multimedia enthusiast, Jonathan has over 20 years as an AV and Technology Industry professional. Originally from New Mexico, he grew up overseas where exposure to a wide variety of cultures and customs left a profound in a lasting impact on his life. With a degree in Audio Production and Engineering from the Art Institute of Seattle, he has a passion for interactive and immersive experiences. An Artist and Musician, Jonathan draws inspiration from the land of enchantment and has a passion for the outdoors.
Natalie
Content Development Coordinator
Natalie is a Content Development Coordinator for Ideum. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature from Colorado State University, and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Syracuse University. From 2016 to 2020 she worked in a variety of cultural institutions, including libraries, archives, museums, and zoos. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, making pottery, and talking about reading and writing and making pottery.
Tomas
Developer I
Tom is a Software Developer at Ideum. Tom graduated from the University of California San Diego with a BS in Interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts. He also holds an MFA in Web Design and New Media from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Before coming to Ideum, Tom was the Exhibits Development Manager at the Children’s Creativity Museum in SF for 6 and a half years. There he was able to manage and contribute to the full range of the exhibit development process, from initial concept renderings to programming and fabrication.
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 is the Assistant Director of Finance for Ideum. She brings extensive knowledge in the audit and accounting fields in which 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.
Liz
HR Administrator ++
Matthew
Hardware Product Manager
Matt is a Hardware Product Manager for Ideum. He 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
Advanced Exhibit Technician
Kaitlin is an Advanced 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 II
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.
Chase
Exhibit Fabrication Manager
Chase is the Exhibit Fabrication Manager 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.
Rock
Exhibit Tech
Rock is an Exhibit Tech for Ideum. He has earned a MA in Media Arts & Computer Science focusing on interactive exhibit design and a BA in Music Technology from New Mexico Highlands University. Rock’s experience ranges from radio broadcasting, print lab management, interactive exhibit development, and audio/video production. He spends his free time at his family’s ranch riding horses and building a log cabin.
Anthony
Fabrication & Media Liaison
Anthony is the fabrication and media liaison for Ideum. He has a Bachelors of Music in theory and composition from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. Anthony spent 12 years as a professional musician and audio engineer before coming to Ideum. He is also experienced in mentorship, event design, and audio/video production. He enjoys writing and playing music, yoga, riding bikes, and fixing broken things.
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