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.

Thomas' homepage.

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