We are once again welcoming new professors to our university family for the summer semester 2025!
Would you like to find out more about our newly appointed professors and what they particularly like about Hof University of Applied Sciences? Then click through the respective interviews.
Prof. Nicole Mallek, Chair of Textile Product Development and Surface Design, Faculty of Engineering
Future role at Hof University of Applied Sciences: Professorship for Textile Product Development and Surface Design
Education: Diploma in Textile Design at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design, Halle
Last professional stations:
- Saxion, University of Applied Sciences in Enschede in the Netherlands, lecturer on the “Innovative Textile Development” Master’s course and network coordinator of the NEWTEXECO research project, a cooperation between various Dutch universities with the aim of initiating research projects on sustainable textiles and design solutions
- Vlisco in the Netherlands, development of a digital printing process based on AI-supported design recognition software
- Artex (Hunter Douglas) in the Netherlands, responsible for the design and development of curtain and upholstery fabrics under the DePloeg brand. Development and design of roller blind and pleated fabrics, responsible for the company’s own weaving mill
What were your first impressions on site at our university?
A lot of nice and helpful colleagues, interested students, very well-equipped laboratories and an almost finished conversion.
What are you particularly looking forward to in your new role?
I’m particularly looking forward to interacting with students, working on lots of exciting projects and collaborating with colleagues and external partners.
Prof. Dr. Lars Ackermann, Professor of Process Mining, Faculty of Computer Science
Future role at Hof University of Applied Sciences: Professor of Process Mining
Education and last professional stations:
- 2006-2009: Dual study program in Information Technology at the Dresden State Academy of Studies (former name, today: Duale Hochschule Sachsen); degree: Dipl.-Ing. (BA)
- 2010-2012: Computer Science studies, University of Bayreuth (M. Sc.)
- 2013-2018: Doctorate in Business Process Management with a focus on process simulation and modeling as well as process mining, University of Bayreuth
- 2018-2025: Post-doc, University of Bayreuth with focus on process mining, business process management, natural language processing
What were your first impressions on site at our university?
“Right from my first interview during the appointment process, I noticed the beautiful campus; everything seems very friendly and it wasn’t difficult to find my way around even at the first appointment. My current colleagues gave me a very warm welcome. Although the workload as a new professor is quite considerable, I have received an incredible amount of support from all sides, not only from my colleagues in the professorial staff, but from all areas (HR, IT, building management, secretariats … the list is long). I was also impressed by how many processes are partially automated via a structured workflow (via Sharepoint). In the courses I’ve attended so far, I’ve noticed a pleasingly lively level of student participation. I am always pleased when a monologue-like presentation of material leads to a discussion about the subject area.”
What are you particularly looking forward to in your new role?
I like the combination of teaching and research – that’s why I chose the path of a doctorate and post-doc. I am therefore looking forward to shaping my teaching area and building up a research group on my own responsibility and based on my own interests. With regard to the latter, I am particularly looking forward to exciting projects in collaboration with business, industry and other public bodies. As my research is closely linked to the topic of AI, it is incredibly exciting to be able to help shape the AI landscape regionally, nationally and internationally.”
Prof. Dr. Lars Ackermann
