"I wanted to delve even deeper into the field of optics"

Hello Dr. Hofmann, on which topics do you teach and do research?

I teach and do research in the field of applied optics. Currently, I am working on a light sheet fluorescence microscope. This is not a finished device, but a modular setup in the lab with lasers, camera sensors, lenses, mirrors, etc., which is constantly being expanded and modified. Students can also work on it as part of their student projects. In teaching, I cover a wide range of topics in the field of radiation and wave optics.
 

What excites you about your subject?

In optics, there is always something to "see" that is very concrete and experiential. I always have a laser pointer at hand to quickly shine through an element. We simulate light distributions, for example, design the optical elements and then manufacture them in the clean room. In the lab, we then test whether the element does what it is supposed to do. In the best case, we then see the success immediately.
 

What does your daily teaching and research routine look like at the TU Ilmenau?

At the moment, I have a lot to do with teaching. I plan the courses, create the material, hold the classes, evaluate students' projects... That takes up a lot of time, but I also enjoy it a lot. New findings in university didactics are always incorporated. The research topics are mainly handled by the students, whom I supervise in carrying out their student projects. We meet regularly and discuss the progress of the work and the next steps. Of course, when we have good results, publications are written and I regularly attend conferences. And, of course, research proposals have to be written.

What motivated you to pursue a career in science?

When I finished my mechatronics degree, I was offered the opportunity to do a doctorate, and I just jumped at the chance. At the time, I had the feeling that I hadn't really "finished my studies" yet; I wanted to delve more deeply into the field of optics. After the doctorate, a four-year post-doctoral phase then followed at the IMTEK in Freiburg. Then, during parental leave with my second child, my contract expired. Fortunately, everything worked out well and I now have a permanent position at the TU Ilmenau.
 

What hurdles have you personally experienced in your scientific career that men encounter less often?

When you work in science, you have to be flexible to some extent. When a family and children come into play, these are other factors that play a role in career planning. If both partners are highly qualified, a field of tension arises in which women are traditionally or personality-related more willing to compromise. Here, of course, it helps to have an equal partnership and to talk openly about the respective life plans. When it came to moving to Freiburg for my new job and tearing my family away from its familiar surroundings, the little devil sat on my shoulder and reproached me at times.

What advice would you give to female colleagues who also want to pursue a career in science?

Science is great if you like to explore topics in depth. However, career opportunities at universities away from professorships are limited, which I personally think is a shame. So you should have a certain willingness to be mobile and open to alternative jobs. You should also always make sure that you remain employable when your contract at the university expires. If you're aiming for a professorship and don't want to give up having children, you need the will to do so, a partner who will support you in this endeavor, and ideally a strong network all around you.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to spend time with my family, sing in the choir and play the recorder, an instrument that is unfortunately unjustly underestimated by many people. Otherwise, you can often find me outside, gardening, hiking or biking.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

Even as a student, I loved the view in the direction of Manebach when we emerged into daylight after the 7 a.m. math lecture from what was then the Great Lecture Hall on the upper Ehrenberg. I still like this view today.

What's coming up for you soon?

I love trying out new teaching concepts. There is still a lot to do here.

About the person

Dr.-Ing. Meike Hofmann studied Micro- and Nanomechatronics at the TU Ilmenau. She carried out her specialist internship at SUSS MicroOptics in French-speaking Switzerland. After graduation, she was already working at the Optical Engineering Group and obtained her PhD in 2013. As a postdoc, Meike Hofmann worked with group leader function/subproject management at IMTEK Freiburg i. Br., Gisela-und-Erwin-Sick-Professorship for Microoptics. Since 2017, she has been back at the Optical Engineering Group at TU Ilmenau. Within the framework of the program "Fellowships for Innovations in Digital University Teaching" of the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany and the the Thuringian Ministry for Economy, Science and Digital Society, Dr. Hofmann developed innovative teaching formats at the TU Ilmenau in the project SIMGAM - "Simulations and games in the self-learning phases of a Blended Learning Basic Course".