What if the biggest variable in your cell culture experiment isn't what your cells are doing, but what they’re sensing? In this eye-opening episode of Cooperatively Speaking, host Allison Lambert sits down with Dr. Krista Rantanen of Baker to explore a commonly overlooked, but critical, factor in biomedical research: oxygen.

They discuss how most human tissues operate at much lower oxygen levels than what’s used in traditional lab settings, and why that matters. From cancer research to stem cell studies, Dr. Rantanen explains how replicating real oxygen conditions can lead to more accurate, reliable science. The episode also touches on common misconceptions, simple tips for getting started, and emerging technologies making low-oxygen culture more accessible.

Guest: Dr. Krista Rantanen, Director of Scientific Applications, Baker
Host: Allison Lambert, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services

Relevant Links:

E&I's Baker Contract

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

In the final episode of our three-part “Unlocking AI in Education” series, host Matt Levine reconnects with Microsoft’s Carlos Fernandez to explore how Copilot is transforming everyday productivity. From drafting emails in Outlook to analyzing data in Excel, Carlos walks us through the practical ways Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365 to make faculty and staff more efficient. Hear tips, real-world examples, and onboarding insights that help ease the learning curve and accelerate adoption. Plus, get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for M365 Copilot in higher ed. It’s a powerful close to a series focused on turning AI into actionable impact.

Guest: Carlos Fernandez, Director Specialist, Microsoft
Host: Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

In Part 2 of our “Unlocking AI in Education” series, host Matt Levine and Microsoft’s Carlos Fernandez explore the next frontier in AI-enabled transformation: Copilot Agents. Unlike traditional chatbots, these intelligent agents are designed to automate complex, repetitive processes—freeing up time for both students and faculty. Carlos discusses real-world applications, from streamlining course registration to enhancing student services, and shares how even non-technical users can build and customize these tools. Whether you’re an IT leader or a faculty member, this episode sheds light on how Copilot Agents can redefine campus operations, and student experiences, in the years ahead.

Guest: Carlos Fernandez, Director Specialist, Microsoft
Host: Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.