Category: Staff

This is the sub-category for Staff posts. Any posts within this sub-category will be displayed under the Staff header on the People page.

Dr. Michael Rhoades

IDIA Lab People, Staff

Dr. Michael Rhoades is a multimedia artist and researcher. He joined the IDIA Lab team in August of 2019 where his role is that of a digital audio researcher creating generative algorithmic systems and configuring venues intended for multi-channel diffusion and stereoscopic projection.

In the spring of 2018 Michael received a BFA in Creative Technologies from the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech. Continuing there, in the summer of 2018 he began pursuing an interdisciplinary PhD in Computer Science, Musical Art, and Visual Art, which he completed in the fall of 2020.

The foci of his practice-based research reside in the areas of holograms, holophons, and supercomputing each contributing toward the production of novel visual music compositions and the development leading edge theoretical perspectives. After completing his graduate coursework at Virginia Tech, Michael returned to Indiana to be closer to family where he continues his research and creative practice remotely.

As a digital animator, painter, filmmaker, composer, computer scientist, theorist, and researcher, Michael’s multi-faceted artistic and academic endeavors continue to expand in an ever-broadening scope as the creative impulse inspires and requires. Examples of his music, visual art, visual music, and of his philosophical and technical writing are located at http://www.perceptionfactory.com.

Adam Kobitz

ihenning People, Staff

Virtual Worlds Modeler and Animator

3D Modeller and Animator Adam graduated from Ball State with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2012, then returned to pursue his Master’s of Fine Arts in Animation the following year. After two years with IDIA Lab as a graduate assistant, Adam continued his time with the team as staff starting in 2014. As a 3D generalist, Adam’s skillset primarily includes modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and compositing. In addition to his 3D work, Adam is also a 107 certified sUAS/drone pilot and spends his free time travelling the country to compete in professional-level drone racing competitions.

Ina-Marie Johnston

IDIA Lab Staff

Design and Communications Manager

Ina-Marie Johnston is the Design and Communications Manager for Hybrid Design Technologies. She received her Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Visual Communications from Ball State University, as well as a Certificate in Web Applications. Her main interesting include print design, web design, print making, book making, and painting.

Neil Zehr

IDIA Lab Staff

Neil earned his B.S. in the Digital Media Arts program at Huntington University in Huntington, IN. During his years there, he studied various traditional animation techniques, computer animation, and computer graphics while also working on several freelance projects and showcasing his films in Huntington’s annual media showcase. Following his graduation in the summer of 2008, he joined the IDIA at Ball State as a virtual worlds 3D modeler and animator.

Trevor Danehy

IDIA Lab Staff

Virtual Worlds Modeler and Animator

3D Modeller and Animator Trevor Danehy graduated from Ball State with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in 3d animation in 2007. Trevor’s primary skillsets are with high detail 3d modeling and texturing with programs like Pixologic Zbrush and Adobe Substance Painter. Trevor also developed methods of quick optimization of photogrammetry model generation. Also as a 3d generalist, he uses Autodesk Maya to glue all these processes together. Trevor has knowledge of every aspect of 3d, anywhere from sculpting and retopology, to high definition rendering workflow.