Research Operations Manager
Diana Whiting
Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering
d.whiting@auckland.ac.nz
Di maintains high-quality relationships and communication with external and internal stakeholders, successfully attracting research investment, monitoring research and development performance, financial planning, and human resource management.
About
Di has an extensive research management background associated with developing new technology for the primary industries and has worked in University, Crown Research Institute, Government and Private Consultancy (Research Unlimited) settings. Prior to this, she was an applied horticultural scientist with a Crown Research Institute developing novel postharvest disinfestation technologies for New Zealand export fruit crops.
She works alongside a wide range of clients including businesses, sector bodies, and central and local government agencies to find research expertise to meet their needs and then ensure research delivery.
Professional Experience
2022 - Present
Research Programme Manager
University of Auckland, New Zealand
MBIE contract UOAX2211 Reversing Carbon Emissions in the Geothermal Energy Industry: Template for Emission-Intensive Industries.
2020 - Present
Research Operations Manager
University of Auckland, New Zealand
2011 - Present
Consultant and Director
Strategic Research Management, Research Unlimited, New Zealand
2014 - 2018
Research Programme Manager
University of Auckland, New Zealand
MBIE contracts UOAX1410 The Biocide Toolbox, School of Chemical Sciences, and UOAX1411 FoodSafe, Department of Physics.
2011 - 2013
Senior Investment Manager – Forestry, Horticulture and Arable Sectors
Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST/MSI now MBIE), New Zealand
2009 - 2011
Investment Manager – Primary Sector
Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST/MSI now MBIE), New Zealand
2007 - 2009
Business Manager
Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, New Zealand
2003 - 2007
Research Advisor – Faculty of Science
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Qualifications
2001
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management
University of Auckland, New Zealand
1986
Master of Science (Honours), Botany/Ecology
University of Auckland, New Zealand
1983
Bachelor of Science, Botany
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Research
25 Years
Strategic Research Management
Management of portfolios of others’ research at national and institutional levels. This includes critical relationship brokering, advice on strategic placement, stakeholder negotiation and contract development, grantsmanship, operational management, people management and R&D performance management and reporting and outreach communication for several major NZ research providers.
13 Years
Applied Research
Science Leader of research aimed at identifying controlled atmosphere treatments to kill arthropods of quarantine importance on fresh horticultural produce and wood, with interests in pest behaviour and ecology. Developed combination treatments with heat and cold, and packhouse insect removal treatments funded by the NZ apple, kiwifruit, summerfruit and avocado industries. Adviser and collaborator to research investigating the effect of promising insecticidal treatments on host fruit quality and postharvest treatment technology development. Ecoclimatic assessment of pest invasion risk. Biosecurity. Research team and stakeholder management (investment agencies and end users).
Highlighted Papers
2022
O’Sullivan, J., Whiting, D. 2022. Completion report webinar series 2. Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland client report for the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Contract No. 9075/6000693. 25pp.
2001
Dentener, P. R., Lewthwaite, S. E. Rogers, D. J., Meier, X., Whiting, D. C., McDonald, R. M. 2001. Heat treatments for control of huhu (Prionoplus reticularis) in logs. N.Z. J. Forestry Sci. 31(2): 273-286.
2000
Whiting, D. C., Jamieson, L. E., Connolly, P. G. 2000. Pre- and postharvest effects of lufenuron on Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93(3): 673-679.
1999
Whiting, D. C., Jamieson, L. E., Connolly, P. G. 1999. Effect of sublethal tebufenozide applications on the mortality responses of Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae exposed to a high-temperature controlled atmosphere. J. Econ. Entomol. 92(2): 445-452.
1999
Whiting, D. C., Jamieson, L. E., Spooner, K. J., Lay-Yee, M. 1999. Combination high-temperature controlled atmosphere and cold storage as a quarantine treatment against Ctenopseustis obliquana and Epiphyas postvittana on ‘Royal Gala’ apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 16(2): 119-126.
Recent Collaborations
Address
L3, 70 Symonds St, Grafton, Auckland
New Zealand