Dianne Konz is a scholar who specializes in Spain, Portugal, and the western Mediterranean, and has taught Spanish history and civilization at the University of Texas at Austin and at The George Washington University. She has lectured and published studies on Spanish culture and Spanish and Latin American literature, and has a particular passion for the integration of the cultural arts in the context of their time. She approaches art and architecture, literature, music, and gastronomy as a reflection of a country's history, politics, and geography.

Dianne's enthusiasm for Iberia grew from her experiences living and studying in Madrid. Her teachings include the Moorish and Islamic conquest and occupation of Iberia, and the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic presence in Iberia. Since 1992, Dianne has led numerous Smithsonian Journeys groups to Spain and Portugal.