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