The engineer completed his studies in General Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in Automotive Engineering and Dynamics, at the technical university of Darmstadt, supplemented by a two-semester study abroad program at NTNU Trondheim in Norway and an industrial internship at the DaimlerChrysler AG Research Center in Böblingen. From 2007 to 2011, he worked as a member of staff in the Structural Dynamics field at TU Darmstadt. There, he headed the field’s laboratory, gave lectures on dynamics and vibration measurement technology, spent a research stay at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil, and conducted intensive research on electrorheological vibration dampers for rotor systems.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bauer then moved into the private sector to join Continental Automotive (which became Aumovio following the spin-off in September 2025). Over the course of 15 years, he held various technical and leadership positions there in the areas of wheel brake development, testing, and simulation. Most recently, as division head, he led the global “Global Validation & Verification” division, overseeing work processes and infrastructure at ten international locations, the Frankfurt test center, and the company-wide expert system in development.
What aspect of your research fascinates you the most?
It’s always rewarding to see that perseverance on a topic and collaboration with colleagues and students lead to success. Problems that initially seem enormous are thus resolved bit by bit.
What does “good teaching” mean to you?
For me, “good teaching” means successful teaching—that is, when students achieve the learning goals. I see engaging and motivating courses with practical examples—whenever possible, incorporating experiments (physical models or simulation models)—and well-structured lecture slides as central building blocks. Furthermore, the learning goals should be internalized over the long term, which I aim to achieve through recurring content and approaches. Ultimately, this is a common thread that runs through all elements of teaching—from lectures to the thesis.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Good question—I don’t even remember anymore. At some point toward the end of high school, I wanted to become a teacher; however, I couldn’t think of a combination of subjects that I felt confident I could study at the time.
How do you find a balance to your work?
I do a lot of endurance sports. Most recently, I participated in a great duathlon in Switzerland and a half-marathon in my hometown of Aschaffenburg.