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