Iris Engstrand is Professor of History at the University of San Diego. The author of 18 books, papers, and monographs on southern California and Baja California history, Dr. Engstrand is recognized as the foremost authority on the history of San Diego. Her titles include Inspired by Nature: The San Diego Natural History Museum, and Harley Knox: San Diego's Mayor for the People. Dr. Engstrand received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in history from the University of Southern California. Her academic honors include USD's distinguished University Professorship, The Davies Award, plus Awards of Merit from the San Diego and California Historical Societies. She has been awarded fellowships from the Fulbright Commission and Huntington Library, and research grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Council for the Humanities.