Axel Hoffmann is a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In this conversation, Dr. Hoffmann shares his upbringing in South Germany and his fascination with flying, providing a glimpse into his formative years. He reflects on his undergraduate life and his journey to the United States, emphasizing the role of luck in shaping his academic path.

Dr. Hoffmann's expertise in magnetism-related subjects becomes evident as he discusses antiferromagnets, memory devices, and the exciting advancements in the field. Along the way, he provides invaluable advice for young students embarking on their academic journeys.

Prior to joining UIUC, Hoffmann spent an impressive 18 years at Argonne National Laboratory, where he made significant contributions as a Material Scientist. In 2019, he made the transition to the University of Illinois as a Founder Professor, further enriching the academic community with his wealth of knowledge and experience.

This is The UIUC Talkshow.

EPISODE LINKS:
Axel Hoffmann's UIUC Website: https://matse.illinois.edu/people/profile/axelh
Axel Hoffmann's Research Group: https://hoffmann.matse.illinois.edu/

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

0:34 - Growing up in South Germany

3:52 - Flying

6:32 - Life as an Undergraduate

9:24 - United States

13:12 - Luck

16:14 - Academia

19:51 - Europe

21:51 - Tennis

24:43 - Magnetism and Data Storage

30:50 - Computation and Energy Consumption

33:30 - Neuromorphic Computing

40:23 - Birds

45:45 - Magnetic Fields

48:55 - Gravity & Magnetism

51:53 - Fundamental Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (E&M)

56:02 - Transportation

1:04:01 - Electrons

1:07:56 - Antiferromagents

1:14:52 - Memory Devices

1:16:45 - Advice for Young Students

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

1:22:19 - ✈ Top Gun

1:23:00 - 🚀 Wernher von Braun

1:23:47 - 📳 Wireless Charging

1:24:58 - 🥼 Argonne National Labs

1:26:38 - ⚡ James Maxwell

1:27:24 - Closing Words

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What is the UIUC Talkshow?
Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.

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