After attendees reviewed the posters displayed in the hallways of the Medical Sciences Building, Dr. Laura Ngwenya, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery addressed the audience. Ngwenya, who received a $1 million K08 grant for her research on traumatic brain injury in 2019, encouraged the residents and fellows in the audience to learn how to sell themselves when applying for a grant. She encouraged introspection, "What are the things I am good at, what have I done so far, what actually makes me suitable for this job?" She says building a "brand" for yourself will make you stand out from other candidates.

Dr. Ngwenya also urged those wanting grants to persevere. Despite the fact that Ngwenya has received one of the most coveted grants in research, she listed off the many grants she has been denied through the years.

Her speech, entitled, "It Takes a Village," highlighted the importance of having a team of mentors. She said that you don't have to necessarily go out recruiting mentors, but instead, "think about the people who are already surrounding you and supporting you."

She also acknowledged the support of UC Neurosurgery Chair, Dr. Joseph Cheng, and said, "You can't really do anything in academics without support of your chair."

Dr. Ngwenya also encouraged the residents and fellows to not listen to people who try to talk you out of your passion. She said, "Don't let someone convince you that you should do something different. If there is something you really want to do, you should do that. That's what's going to make you happy."

This is the first ever Acute Care Research Showcase at UC and included residents and fellows from emergency medicine, general surgery, neurosurgery, critical care and neurology/neurocritical care.