Aleksander Kilk is an expert in electrical engineering at the Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics in the School of Engineering.

How Did You Begin Working at TalTech?

I graduated from Tallinn Polytechnic Institute (TPI) in 1969 with distinction, specializing in electromechanical engineering in the field of electrical machines and apparatus. Upon graduation, I was assigned as a senior laboratory assistant at TPI’s Department of Electrical Machines—my alma mater department.

Researchers there had achieved a very advanced level in the study and design of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) devices in the former USSR. As a final-year student, I joined a research group led by Associate Professor Viktor Keskküla, focusing on MHD pumps. My task was to devise a method to protect the stator windings of an MHD pump from the damaging effects of lithium flowing through a spiral channel at 1200 °C.

I defended my diploma on this topic, and it was awarded first place in a national student research competition.

As a senior laboratory assistant, I continued research on rotating magnetic-field-based MHD devices. Using our specially designed equipment, we were able to grow very large silicon monocrystals—up to 250 mm in diameter. Remarkably, the use of our MHD inductors improved the yield of high-quality monocrystals by up to 40%. I also recall designing two unique MHD inductor units (called PIKOS), which were successfully tested under space conditions to grow GaAs monocrystals.

Soon thereafter, in 1973, I began working as a teaching assistant, guiding students through lab sessions and lecture preparation, eventually taking on a workload of approximately 1,300 contact hours per academic year—alongside my research duties. That same summer, I married, and soon our family began to grow, which was possible thanks to my supportive spouse.

Between 1970 and 1990, the Department of Electrical Machines was quite large—its timetable listed 18 academic staff members. The group was diverse in age and interests but close-knit. Olympian Veiko Siimar organized swimming classes for us every Wednesday at Kalev Swimming Hall, and during winter breaks we went on three-day ski retreats in Otepää, Viljandi, Võsu, and other places—combining sport with meaningful evening seminars.

Academic Rise and Research

I was promoted to senior instructor in 1988, preparing and delivering lecture courses on electrical machinery. From 1992 onwards, I served as a lecturer, then as an associate professor from 2009 to 2019, and since September 2019, I’ve held the title of senior lecturer, in line with modified academic titles. Between 2009 and 2012, I also served as Director of the Institute of Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Electrical Machines within the School of Energy.

My MHD research, which began in 1969, continued until 1992, when collaborations with Soviet partners ceased and interest in such research faded in newly independent Estonia. By 1988, I had gathered enough material to prepare a dissertation equivalent to the modern PhD. However, near the end of the Soviet era, opportunities to defend advanced degrees in the USSR had become nearly impossible.

Those materials remained stored in a desk drawer until academic degree processes resumed in Estonia. I transformed them into a Master’s thesis on MHD induction device research and defended it at TalTech (then TTÜ) in early 1992, becoming graduate #000012.

Afterward, my focus shifted to research on electrical machines and some areas of renewable energy and local power supplies. My primary area became the study and design of permanent-magnet synchronous generators—especially for wind energy applications. I also supervised doctoral candidates in electrical machinery and defended my doctoral dissertation in 2008.

What Has Working at the University Given You?

The creative environment, evolving old topics, and new challenges prevent any sense of stagnation or becoming “mossy.” Working (and living) alongside students is a powerful motivator—it keeps my spirit youthful and retains my capacity for curiosity, wonder, though occasionally frustration arises—mostly due to external constraints or ill-considered regulations.

University life is not only about study and work. As a student, two years my senior energy faculty enthusiasts Ants Kabral and Kalle Süld founded the TPI Hiking Club in 1966, which I later joined. By 1969, I had become its chair. Together, we embarked on dynamic pursuits: sporting hikes and “market raids” in various parts of the USSR—skiing trips in the Khibiny Mountains and Urals, canoeing in Karelia, trekking in Karakum Desert or Crimea, mountain expeditions in the Caucasus. One standout trip was to the remote Tofalaria and Uda River region in Eastern Sayan—this was also our honeymoon. 

In total, I completed around 30 such athletic hikes, earning a candidate master of sport—not quite full master-level status, but close. These trips forged strong friendships that endued long after. Hiking groups became communities, and some even led to lifelong partnerships.

I’ve also enjoyed photography and gardening, but my longest and most profound pursuit has been beekeeping. My first beehive arrived as a gift for my tenth birthday. Over time, that hive grew into many. In our country home near Karksi—nestled in nature—I recharge: watching bees and their wise, purposeful, communal way of life offers deep meaning and nourishment for the soul. I believe that human communities could learn much from these industrious insects.

Half a Century Later: What Kept You Here?

Over fifty years, the university has seen numerous rectors and reforms. But my favorite period was during Rector Olav Aarna’s term (1991–2000)—a pivotal time when TPI transformed into TalTech, ushering in sweeping changes in both teaching and mindset. Yet, much of my work continued in the old Energy Building on Kopli Street 82, 

I had also shared sports-driven moments with Aarna—the two of us, among many, once traveled to the Tartu marathon via bus organized by the TPI Sports Club, sleeping side by side in sleeping bags at Elva range hall. That blend of activity and contentment characterises how that era feels in retrospect.

My proudest accomplishment, by far, are the three doctoral dissertations I successfully supervised—seeing former students now engaged in significant scientific and developmental work feels deeply rewarding. And when their own mentees—in turn—go on to defend theses, the pride is real.

Why Is the University a Good Employer?

At the university, there is an unmistakable atmosphere of intellectual and practical freedom, infused with students’ youthful—sometimes unbridled—enthusiasm and energy. To paraphrase the old phrase “city air makes one free,” I’d rather say: “The university atmosphere makes one free!” This richly varied, self-realizing environment—among a warm and youthful academic family—has been the core “magnet” keeping me attached for decades.
TalTech

Published in the special Mente et Manu issue dedicated to Honor Universitatis awardees.