Interview with Thomas Nikolaus

Thomas Nikolaus is a professor in the University of Münster, working in algebraic K-theory and homotopy theory. In this interview Thomas talks, among other things, about non-standard approaches to math seminars, the importance of branching out and asking questions, and the lack of feedback in the mathematical community.

Photo is taken from the website of the University of Münster
#mathematician #mathlife #interview #mathresearch #mathstruggles
#homotopytheory #mathphd #mathseminar #mathhiring

0:00 teaser
0:50 changing research areas
3:22 learning vs working
5:44 teaching advice
6:53 branching out
8:15 advising PhD students
10:09 writing skills
11:31 lack of feedback in the math community
15:06 the famous Bonn seminar
17:15 the feeling of not good enough in math
19:55 interesting jobs outside academia
21:25 Thomas interviews me… oops!
27:10 the right definition of K-theory
29:50 taking care of your research group
31:15 seminar where speakers aren’t allowed to prepare
33:50 asking questions at talks
36:31 choosing whom to hire
38:28 getting over math frustration
39:35 don’t be afraid