Degrees Between Us - A Look Inside American Higher Education

Prof. Keenan Hartert
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

What is American higher education really like? Instead of relying on social media takes, hear it directly from university students and their professor. We cover typical student success strategies for lectures, labs, exams, AI, mentorship, community, and the other benefits of studying something specific. We also discuss college affordability, why higher education is maligned, what needs to change, and how each student's unique story led them here. Watch if you want an authentic take on college in the USA. 🟡 Website: https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

Episodes

  1. 05/13/2025

    How to Study Effectively - Pre-dental Student and Professor Discuss

    What are some of the best approaches towards effective studying? My driven Pre-dental student Sean Erdahl covers what's worked for him. We dive into the challenges of post-grad preparation, maintain a good GPA, and how education is shifting. Sean also shares how to succeed after the college transfer process. We cover other keys like finding partners to study with alongside some funny stories from class, including how he would run a classroom if given the chance. Enjoy! 0:00 Intro 1:20 Exam Reflections 1:51 Pre-dental Study Success 3:08 DAT Studying 5:48 Finding Community in College 7:13 Pre-dental Interview Question 8:40 Personal Statements 11:10 DAT Schedule 14:50 Class Studying Strategies 18:39 No Class Slides! 19:40 Class Recordings? 21:48 College vs. High School 22: 41 AI in Education & Dentistry 25:59 How I'd Lead a Class 27:58 Drawing Exam Answers 29:33 Pre-dental Advice 🔴 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3 🟣 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424 🟡 Keenan Hartert Website: https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

  2. 04/25/2025

    How to choose to right college - Student and Prof agree to seek ones with research opportunities

    How important are research opportunities in college? Important enough for my excellent student Anna Wilcox to choose Minnesota State. We cover a ton of helpful topics, namely the process of choosing a college, the joy of being handed the keys to your own research project, and the realities of paying for school when you come from a small family. This one is rich with heart and motivation for making the journey. Enjoy!0:00 Intro0:53 Choosing a college2:02 Research Opportunities 3:31 Journey to school6:01 Becoming good at science8:58 Leading a research project11:43 Grad school plans14:44 PhD Plans16:30 Paying for College21:08 AI in Education23:36 Value of Higher Education27:40 Resilience in College 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠⁠🟢 Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠⁠🟣 Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠⁠🟡 Keenan Hartert Website: ⁠⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

  3. 04/08/2025

    How to Keep a 4.0 GPA in College - Student and Professor Agree that Drive is Key

    How do the top college students do it? I'm joined by my articulate and hilarious pre-dental student, Elle Nisbit to hear her secrets. The key isn't a single cognitive study hack; it's effort, motivation, and finding strategies that work through trial and error. We cover other keys like finding partners to study with alongside some funny stories from class. Elle also lays out how she came to love studying Biology and Dentistry, key points for any students in the same spot. Enjoy! 0:00 Intro1:16 Choosing a college3:25 Why Pre-dental6:22 How to become an Academic Weapon8:30 Active Recall11:44 Dentistry Motivation12:28 DAT and Application Schedule13:40 Go UNMC Labs13:55 Finding Study and Lab Partners17:36 How to harass your professor for answer keys18:58 Reflecting on College Growth19:55 Upper-level Classes21:19 GPA Hunt and Learning Discussion22:36 Grade Gunning Doesn't Work23:50 Overcoming Struggles via Resilience 25:10 AI in Education28:36 Small Town Strength to College29:49 Advice for Students and Parents32:50 Evil Professor 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... 🟢 Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyN... 🟣 Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🟡 Keenan Hartert Website: ⁠⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

  4. 03/25/2025

    How to Pick a College Major that You Love - Student and Professor Discuss

    What are the best parts of college? Lily Flaherty shares how she chose a college as a high school student, chose her major, and advice she has for others. As a pre-science (MS, PhD) student, she shares how to find coveted undergraduate research opportunities and how to maximize your network. We also cover fun topics like overcoming indecision, the importance of communication and organization, and when to ask for help. Enjoy! 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠ 🟢 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠ 🟣 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠ 🟡 Website: ⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

  5. 03/11/2025

    How to Balance College Sports and Biology – A Student Athlete’s Premed Journey

    What's it like to be a full-time student athlete? NCAA Division II National Champion Basketball player Malcolm Jones shares how he balances athletics, school, and the extra effort required to succeed as a premed student. Listen to learn practical advice for navigating the daily life of a student athlete, which comes with its own challenges and benefits. More than anything, we've got a lot of positivity in this one - enjoy! 🔴 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3 🟣 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424 🟡 Website: https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

  6. 02/27/2025

    How to Survive College as a Premed While Working – A Student-Professor Guide

    Premed Biochemistry major Emma Sealey shares how she juggles academics, multiple jobs, clinical volunteering, and research - all while preparing for the MCAT and medical school. If you're a premed student working through college, this episode is packed with practical advice on time management, study strategies, and extracurriculars that matter. 🎙️ Hosted by Biology Professor Keenan Hartert, Degrees Between Us: Student Success in College and STEM explores the experiences and successes of today’s college students, infused with humor and straight talk. ✅ What You’ll Learn: How to balance work, school & premed commitments Smart strategies for college finances & job selection The best extracurriculars for medical school Whether AI is changing education for better or worse 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠ 🟢 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠ 🟣 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠ 🟡 Website: ⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/⁠

  7. 02/18/2025

    How to Succeed in STEM, The Arts, and AI – A Future Scientist’s Perspective with Professor

    What's the future of science? The arts? Artificial Intelligence? Sarah Oberstar discusses her take as a pre-science Biology major intent on pursuing a PhD in the biomedical sciences while maintaining her love of culture and art. We discuss the importance of college community, research opportunities, making the most out all of your classes (not just STEM ones), and how science connects to art. This is an episode full of laughs, insights, and advice for future STEM students! 🎙️ Hosted by Biology Professor Keenan Hartert, Degrees Between Us: Student Success in College and STEM explores the experiences and successes of today’s college students, infused with humor and straight talk. ✅ What You’ll Learn: How to balance work, school & research commitments Smart strategies for college finances & job selection The best extracurriculars for PhD and MS programs Whether AI is changing education for better or worse 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠ 🟢 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠ 🟣 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠ 🟡 Website: ⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/⁠

  8. 02/18/2025

    How to Make College Worth It – A Student & Professor on Creativity and Mad Science

    Is college worth it? How can students pay their own way in college? Biomedical major Ashton Erdmann shares his insights across a nontraditional path to college and what fosters his desire to learn more. We dive into "mad science" ideas, the future of human enhancement, funding questions, and where biotech might take us in the coming decades. If you’re navigating college finances as a first-gen, STEM careers, or just love futuristic science discussions, this episode is for you! 🎙️ Hosted by Biology Professor Keenan Hartert, Degrees Between Us: Student Success in College and STEM explores the experiences and successes of today’s college students, infused with humor and straight talk. ✅ What You’ll Learn: How to balance work, school & STEM commitments Smart strategies for college finances & job selection The best extracurriculars for PhD and MS programs Whether AI is changing education for better or worse 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠ 🟢 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠ 🟣 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠ 🟡 Website: ⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/⁠

  9. 02/18/2025

    How to Thrive as a First-Gen Premed – Success Insights from Student & Professor

    Premed Biology student Monica Montejo shares her story, noting the experience as a first-gen transfer student, now a Biomedical Sciences major. She works in the Mayo Clinic ER while balancing classes and MCAT studying. Monica shares her insights on academics and making the most of college resources. Listen for great insights about overcoming challenges in STEM to succeed! 🎙️ Hosted by Biology Professor Keenan Hartert, Degrees Between Us: Student Success in College and STEM explores the experiences and successes of today’s college students, infused with humor and straight talk. ✅ What You’ll Learn: How to balance work, school & premed commitments Smart strategies for college finances & job selection The best extracurriculars for medical school Whether AI is changing education for better or worse 🔴 YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwMyklYPGa-Q7rn4W73K_f5jk_szGFRf⁠ 🟢 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/44K6JyNN8mZzsvQtdiQ8d3⁠ 🟣 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/degrees-between-us-student-success-in-college-and-stem/id1797084424⁠ 🟡 Website: ⁠https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/⁠

  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What is American higher education really like? Instead of relying on social media takes, hear it directly from university students and their professor. We cover typical student success strategies for lectures, labs, exams, AI, mentorship, community, and the other benefits of studying something specific. We also discuss college affordability, why higher education is maligned, what needs to change, and how each student's unique story led them here. Watch if you want an authentic take on college in the USA. 🟡 Website: https://profkeenanhartert.weebly.com/

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