As always, the annual UIC Psychiatry Department’s Extravaganza brings incredible academics from all across the country and internationally to educate and inform the research community on the latest neuroscientific updates. We had the honor of hosting this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Matthew State, from the University of California, San Francisco, who presented a seminar on the ARIA Initiative, a scientific funding initiative that accelerates research, clinical trials, and therapies for profound autism and related neurodevelopmental support needs. Our very own Niki S. also presented her own work in the salience network and its clinical manifestation amongst veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild traumatic brain injury. Alongside the highly relevant and enriching talks, several of our lab members submitted posters, and we enjoyed lovely refreshments, light bites, and elegant music.