Math-Life Balance

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

Hélène Esnault is an Einstein Professor in Freie Universitaet Berlin, working in algebraic geometry. In this interview Hélène talks, among other things, about social discrimination, her passions to poetry and philosophy, and her work at the Fields Medal Committee.

Hélène's homepage: http://page.mi.fu-berlin.de/esnault/​

Inna Zakharevich is an assistant professor in Cornell University, working in algebraic topology and K-theory. In this interview Inna talks, among other things, about the psychological struggles of doing research, about insecurity and possible ways of dealing with it, and about her  approach to a math-life balance.

Inna's book recommendations from the interview:

Inna's homepage: http://pi.math.cornell.edu/~zakh/