Diana J. Gabaldon is an American author and television writer, born on January 11, 1952. She is best known for her renowned book series Outlander, which has been adapted into a successful television series on Starz since 2014. Her works are a unique blend of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure, and science fiction/fantasy.

Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Gabaldon grew up in Flagstaff and is of Hispanic and English descent, featuring a rich family history that includes Native American and Sephardic Jewish heritage. She holds a B.S. in Zoology, an M.S. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and a Ph.D. in Ecology. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow for her contributions to Scottish Literature.

Before her literary career, Gabaldon worked as a professor at Arizona State University and was an expert in scientific computation. She published scholarly articles and started the journal Science Software Quarterly. Her transition to fiction was self-driven, fueled by her passion for storytelling.

Despite her scientific background, Diana Gabaldon has found her niche in literature, delighting readers with her vivid storytelling and compelling characters. She remains an influential figure in modern fiction, balancing her academic accolades with an immense literary footprint.