A closer look at our newly appointed professors: Matthias Mauder, Chair of Meteorology

Prof. Dr. Matthias Mauder has held the Chair of Meteorology at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences since the 2021/22 winter semester. To satisfy our curiosity, he answered a few short questions for us. In the following interview, Prof. Mauder offers some insight into his work in research and teaching.

• What are the focal areas of your research?

My research focus is based on two components: basic research and its application. The basic research has evolved over time from my PhD topic, which is the problem of energy balance closure. In addition to measurement methods, I am also pursuing theories of turbulent transport processes. These are not only topics that are important to us in meteorology, but also play an important role in physics or engineering. The applied focus areas that pique my interest are related to climate change. This represents a major challenge for humanity. Meteorology can make a decisive contribution in this respect. In addition to forest ecosystems, including the Tharandt Forest, I am also investigating urban ecosystems, with the majority of people now live. You can identify direct connections, interactions and changes.

• What is your vision for the chair?

I have already described in detail which research topics I would like to advance within the chair. We have established a new researchgroup working on the topic of urban climate so that this will be anchored at the chair in the long term. The Teaching we offer should be based on research on one hand. On the other hand, it should also be project-based. I would like to increase the focus on urban climate here.

• Where did you last teach, research, and live?

My most recent research position was in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, at the KIT Alpine Campus. This is where the Institute for Atmospheric Environmental Research is located. I spent a total of 12 years at the institute, nine of them as head of the research group "Transport Processes of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer". Setting up my own research group was a great experience. I also enjoyed the unique nature of the alpine region. I didn't teach much in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, except at the doctoral school. I was able to do a little teaching in block courses. I started gaining more teaching experience in Karlsruhe at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Geo and Environmental Sciences in 2014.

• What was your PhD topic?

I received my PhD in Bayreuth in geoecology with a focus on micrometeorology. This was about atmospheric eddies, also known as turbulence. I worked on the quality assurance of turbulence measurements and the problem of energy balance closure. An existing challenge in energy balance research, for example, is inaccurate measurement methods and also measurement equipment. Measurements are the basis for all research and are therefore of great importance.

• What was the best experience during your studies?

As a student assistant I was allowed to participate in a micrometeorological measurement campaign in the 4th semester. At this time the phenomenon of a total solar eclipse could be observed in Bavaria. The interaction of an astronomical event and an event on earth fascinated me very much. This experience sparked a strong interest in micrometeorology in me that continues today. Thanks to a very dedicated professor who worked with me at the time, I was able to participate in many exciting projects - early on in my studies.

• What was the worst experience during your studies?

I think I have successfully suppressed many unpleasant moments. However, I must admit that organic chemistry was not one of my favorites during my undergraduate studies.

• When did you decide: "I want to become a professor!"?

That was actually my wish when I submitted the application for the Helmholz Young Investigators Group. At that time, I had already been in Canada for three years as a postdoctoral fellow. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, I wanted to work further in this direction. The junior research group was a step in the direction of becoming an appointee. I don't think I could have done better with the chair here in Dresden.

• What do you always have on your desk?

Besides my laptop and monitor, I have a mug on my desk, which I got as a gift from my former research group. My research interests were recorded as drawings on this mug. I work mostly on a computer, which gives me some flexibility as to where I work.

• What was a pleasant surprise to you on the TUD campus?

I like living in a bigger city and that the TU campus is well entwined with the city. The Chair of Meteorology is located in Tharandt. I like rotating between Dresden and Tharandt, as the two locations each bring many advantages.

• How well do you know Dresden?

I must confess that there is still a lot for me to find out. My family and I have started to explore the city and we are looking forward to many things when the outside conditions allow it again.

• What are your favourites?

Dresden Neustadt offers so many different possibilities, culturally as well as gastronomically, I find impressive. On the other hand, the beautful nature of the surrounding countryside is a popular destination for my family and me, for example, the Saxon Switzerland. The short distances are a great advantage.

Thank you to Prof. Mauder for the insights. We can look forward to his inaugural lecture, which is scheduled for the 2022 summer semester.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Mauder
Professur für Meteorologie

Stöckhardt-Bau, Raum 109
Pienner Straße 23
01737 Tharandt