Dianne is a Lecturer in the School of Education and Social Work and is currently the Programme Director for the Master of Education programme. She also teaches on the School's initial teacher education programmes. Dianne is Chair of the Scottish Universities Inclusion Group and a member of the Scottish Professional Learning Network steering group. She was awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in November 2013.

Dianne's research interests lie in the areas of inclusion and educational transitions. She is currently finishing her Professional Doctorate which focuses on stakeholders' experiences of the move from primary to secondary school.

Dianne completed her initial teacher education at Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside, going on to teach in primary and specialist schools before joining a Local Authority's specialist teaching service. Her most recent teaching post was as an Inclusion Teacher, where she taught children with Autism and with Learning Difficulties. Dianne has also held the post of Autism Specialist Team Leader and led a team of teachers, taking up this role from 2007 - 2011. She also enjoyed delivering continuing professional development opportunities for teachers, parents and carers.

Dianne serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Dundee Women's Aid where she is currently the Vice-Chair. She is also a keen pianist and flautist, and enjoys walks with her dogs, Bob, Ruby and Dexter.