This conference and professionalization panel engages the ongoing projects of three alumni from the UF Department of Political Science PhD program. Drs. Lorna Bracewell (Flagler College), Mauro J. Caraccioli (Virginia Tech), and Manu Samnotra (University of South Florida) will be presenting work that cuts across disciplinary boundaries. Lorna Bracewell will begin our conference by presenting a co-authored piece on feminism and maternalist politics. Mauro J. Caraccioli will then follow with a presentation about the intersection of Spanish colonialism, religious colonial life, and racial hierarchy. On the second day of our conference, the final talk will be delivered by Manu Samnotra and will focus on Mahatma Gandhi and the politics of dignity. The conference will conclude with a professionalization panel that will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to listen to first-hand accounts of what it’s like to navigate the academic job market as a UF student. We hope to see you there!