📢 Keenan sits down with Sarah Oberstar, a General Biology major at Minnesota State University balancing academics, work, and her cancer research priorities. Sarah's goal is to become a biomedical scientist, and she hit the ground running by participating in Minnesota State's excellent RISE Bio research program. This program takes applications of future Biology majors that begin working with professor research from freshman year, building a strong set of lab skills, organization, mentor network, and a friendly community of other students. We share a love for all things interdisciplinary outside of Biology too, including history, the arts, and movies/culture. Listen to have some laughs!

🎓 Higher education is more than degrees and money - it’s about people, journeys, and the connections that shape our world. Degrees Between Us brings students from all backgrounds together to explore one central question: Why college?

👨‍🏫 Hosted by Biology Professor Keenan Hartert, this podcast highlights the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of students navigating academia — infused with humor and real talk. Based at Minnesota State University, we uncover the motivations and realities of today’s American students.

The best part? This is the only show of its kind. There is no other forum where students + professor share their wider experiences.

🏛️ Join the conversation! Follow for updates & visit my website: ⁠⁠profkeenanhartert.weebly.com⁠⁠

📌 What You’ll Learn:

✅Why students choose college (or almost don’t)

✅How to juggle work, school, and personal life

✅The biggest academic & personal challenges students face

✅Advice for incoming students & those questioning higher ed

✅The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education

✅Is college really worth it?

💡 For Parents, Students & Educators—this one's for you!

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about higher education & student success!

🎙️ This show dives into higher education, student success, career prep, and the future of learning. Whether you’re a pre-med, pre-dental, STEM student, educator, parent, or just curious about academia, you’ll find insights here!