The world of embedded software: for Professor Dr. Klaus Maier, it is more than just code - it is the "brain" of modern technical systems: "Whether in cars, medical devices or in the smart home - it is invisible but you can find it everywhere. And it's my great passion," says the computer science graduate with a laugh. He also wants to inspire enthusiasm for programming and Software Engineering in his students, which he clearly succeeds in doing. For his special commitment to teaching, the 46-year-old has now received the Aalen University of Applied Sciences Teaching Award 2025.
"Contagious enthusiasm"
Prof. Dr. Klaus Maier has been teaching in the Electrical Engineering degree programme at Aalen University of Applied Sciences since 2020; last September, he became Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science. "The fact that Prof. Dr. Klaus Maier still finds the time for exceptionally curated module components/courses in addition to the burden of his dean's office deserves special recognition," emphasized Vice President Prof. Dr. Andreas Ladurner in his laudation at the awarding of the teaching prize. In general, Maier is highly assessed by his students for his infectious enthusiasm, perfectly designed learning materials and examination templates. And "that he is always available as a contact person to answer student questions that arise between courses." As a computer science graduate, Maier teaches with the aim of getting students excited about software development in particular.
As a teenager, soccer was the big topic
The fact that software development would also shape his own future was not so clear when he was at school. "As a teenager, I didn't spend all my time in front of the screen programming. I always felt at home in the natural sciences, mathematics and School of Engineering, but back then, playing soccer with friends was the big topic," recalls the Stuttgart native, adding with a grin: "However, it quickly became clear that a professional career wasn't going to happen."
The "whole package" at the institution of higher education is right
"After my Studies and doctorate, I wanted to get out into industry, into practical applications. I worked as an embedded software developer at various companies for ten years - including with management responsibility. This gave me valuable practical experience in various high-tech areas such as radio communication and electromobility. I discovered the world of embedded systems during my Master's Thesis, and this exciting topic has stayed with me ever since," enthuses Maier. The Information scientist had been toying with the idea of returning to the field of education for some time when he came across the job advertisement for the "Embedded Software" professorship at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. "It was a perfect passport, of course. But I had a great job at the time and the decision was difficult. So I first tried to find a solution with the help of a matrix. In the end, my gut decided in favor of Aalen," says the father of three with a laugh. The "overall package" at the institution of higher education was just right.
Feedback culture from the industry
When Maier was appointed to Aalen University of Applied Sciences for the winter semester 2020/2021, it was in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. "It was none easy, but it was still an exciting time where you could experiment and try out different teaching formats," says Maier, who sees himself as a clear advocate of face-to-face teaching, but also assesses, to evaluate the advantages of hybrid teaching. For example, he currently has a heavily pregnant student who can still take part in the lectures thanks to the online formats. "That's great!" says the professor happily. In general, it is very important to him - especially as Dean - to further develop practice-oriented teaching and to always interact with his students. "I brought the feedback culture with me from my time in industry. My lectures have also become better thanks to the re-registering students," says Maier. As Dean of Studies, Studies Dean, he has introduced a mentoring program in electrical engineering, in which students in higher semesters take New Student / First Year Students under their wing and support them with questions about their studies.
"The openness of the students is inspiring"
Liaising with technically demanding contents in an understandable and interactive way and using memes to lighten up the subject matter is important to the professor - who comes across as pretty relaxed himself with his eyebrow piercing: "You can also laugh together in the lecture. After all, humor makes a lot of things easier, including learning." In general, cooperation, cooperative venture, partnership, collaboration with the students is very enriching. "The future belongs to our StudIS - electronic student information system, they embrace the world, their openness is inspiring," says Maier. Student representatives also have a say in the awarding of the teaching prize at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. The 46-year-old is delighted that they nominated him for the award and that he has now actually been selected as the winner. However, Maier is most pleased when "I can infect my students with my passion for my Department / Division, especially when they are neutral or even hostile towards it at the beginning and then the enthusiasm visibly spills over."
