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Associate Professor Catherine Whitby staff profile picture

Contact details +6469519007

Associate Professor Catherine Whitby BSc, PhD

Associate Professor in Chemistry

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences

Associate Dean - Postgraduate

College of Sciences
  • Associate Professor in Chemistry in the School of Natural Sciences from January 2021
  • Senior Lecturer in Chemistry in the Institute of Fundamental Sciences at Ƶ, from late October 2014 onwards
  • ARC Future Fellow and Senior Research Fellow, Ian Wark Research Institute, UniSA working on controlling Pickering emulsion destabilisation (March 2010 to September 2014)
  • Research Fellow, Ian Wark Research Institute, UniSA working with John Ralston on particle attachment to drops and bubbles (October 2006 to February 2010)
  • Gritton Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney working with Greg Warr on using neutron scattering techniques to characterise emulsions (April 2005 to September 2006)
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, working with Bernie Binks on Pickering emulsion projects funded by Rhodia Services and Halliburton Energy Services (November 2001 to March 2005)

Catherine joined Massey as a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry in late October 2014. Prior to this she was an ARC Future Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at the Ian Wark Research Institute at the University of South Australia. She is a physical chemist with expertise in colloid and surface chemistry. She uses nanomaterials to modify the chemistry of drop and bubble surfaces. This strategy enables her to control the structure, stability and flow of soft materials. Her findings have been applied in food and pharmaceutical products and in drilling fluids.

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Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 64 6 356 9099 ext. 86007
    Location: Sc A4.19, Science Tower A
    Campus: Turitea

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science - University of New South Wales (1997)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Melbourne (2001)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Ƶ

Research Expertise

Research Interests

I am interested in the edges (surfaces and interfaces) that control the properties of materials like paints, sunscreens, lubricants and dairy foods. All these materials are colloids. They are made of drops, bubbles and particles dispersed in a liquid. The drops, bubbles and particles are nanometres to micrometres in size.

I investigate how the chemical properties of drop (bubble or particle) surfaces control how colloidal materials flow and behave. A focus of my work is on using nanomaterials to modify the drop and bubble surface chemistry. This strategy enables me to tune the structure, stability and flow of soft materials used in food, pharmaceutical and agricultural products.

I use microscopy and rheology tools to do my research. I use these techniques to probe inside colloidal materials and investigate their physical and chemical properties.

Thematics

Resource Development and Management, Health and Well-being, Future Food Systems

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Chemical Science (030000): Colloid and Surface Chemistry (030603): Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural (030600)

Keywords

Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Colloid and Surface Science

Research Projects

Current Projects

Project Title: Stimuli-responsive cellulose-based surfactants: forming emulsions that break on demand

Companies spend an estimated US$3 billion a year on chemical additives to treat foam. Excess foam decreases output by increasing batch volumes and causes damage to plant equipment. In many industries, foaming is caused by the addition of surfactants. These are essential performance enhancers for manufacturing processes, e.g. dispersants in the mixing of paint, but such additives cause detrimental foaming in later stages of manufacturing, necessitating the addition of specialty surfactants known as defoamers. Apart from their high cost, defoamers can contaminate the final product. Most are also considered environmental pollutants. To solve these problems, we propose a new class of surfactants where the emulsification and foaming properties can be switched on and off on-demand. We will take advantage of recent research conducted by Chen on cellulose particles and stimuli-responsive systems. We will modify cellulose particles with natural oils or a thermoresponsive material that allows for efficient emulsification action below a specific temperature but acts as a defoamer upon gentle heating. The main scientific stretch and technological challenge is controlling the modification of spherical cellulose particles to produce Janus particles, whose two hemispheres have with distinct characteristics. Manipulation of surface coverage will be used to control the hydrophilicity-lipophilicity balance and produce bespoke surfactants able to function as emulsifiers, dispersants, wetting agents, solubilisers and defoamers.
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Date Range: 2022 - 2025

Funding Bodies: MBIE: Endeavour Fund: Smart Ideas; Auckland University of Technology

Project Team:

Completed Projects

Project Title: MacDiarmid Scholarship - Whitby - Ben Westberry

Date Range: 2018 - 2021

Funding Body: Victoria University of Wellington

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Yang, H., Whitby, CP., & Travas-Sejdic, J. (2025). Dual-network hydrogel capsules for controlled molecular transport via pH and temperature responsiveness. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 677, 942-951
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Ahmed, MF., Popovich, DG., Whitby, CP., & Rashidinejad, A. (2024). Phenolic compounds from macadamia husk: An updated focused review of extraction methodologies and antioxidant activities. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 148, 165-175
[Journal article]Authored by: Rashidinejad, A., Whitby, C.
Tiban Anrango, BA., Naiya, MM., Van Dongen, J., Matich, O., Whitby, CP., & Chen, JLY. (2024). Nanoprecipitation to produce hydrophobic cellulose nanospheres for water-in-oil Pickering emulsions. Cellulose. 31(10), 6225-6239
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Kabiri, S., Jafarian, M., Navarro, DA., Whitby, CP., & McLaughlin, MJ. (2024). Investigating hydrodynamic cavitation as an efficient means for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from solution. Separation and Purification Technology. 347
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Yun, G., Gillies, G., Ripberger, G., Hashemizadeh, I., Whitby, CP., & Bronlund, J. (2023). Modelling the reaction kinetics of β-lactoglobulin and κ-casein heat-induced interactions in skim milk. Journal of Food Engineering. 344
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Pradhan, S., Whitby, CP., Williams, MAK., Chen, JLY., & Avci, E. (2022). Interfacial colloidal assembly guided by optical tweezers and tuned via surface charge. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 621, 101-109
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Li, Y., Wang, T., Camps-Arbestain, M., & Whitby, CP. (2022). The regulators of soil organic carbon mineralization upon lime and/or phosphate addition vary with depth. Science of the Total Environment. 828
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Munro, BC., Hall, SB., & Whitby, CP. (2022). Yielding to stress in Pickering emulsions at dilute and intermediate volume fractions. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 637
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Li, Y., Camps-Arbestain, M., Whitby, CP., Wang, T., Mueller, CW., Hoeschen, C., . . . Beare, MH. (2022). Functional complexity explains the depth-dependent response of organic matter to liming at the nanometer scale. Geoderma. 408
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Ramamirtham, S., Williams, MAK., Zare, D., Weeks, M., & Whitby, CP. (2021). Complexes of β-lactoglobulin and high methyl-esterified pectin as a one-shot delivery system for reinforcing oil/water interfaces. Soft Matter. 17(37), 8517-8522
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Pradhan, S., Solomon, R., Gangotra, A., Yakubov, GE., Willmott, GR., Whitby, CP., . . . Williams, MAK. (2021). Depletion of HP1α alters the mechanical properties of MCF7 nuclei. Biophysical Journal. 120(13), 2631-2643
[Journal article]Authored by: Hale, T., Whitby, C.
Ramamirtham, S., Whitby, CP., Zare, D., Weeks, M., & Williams, MAK. (2021). The rheological properties of bovine β-Lactoglobulin stabilized oil/water interfaces depend on the protein's quaternary structure. Food Hydrocolloids. 120
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP. (2020). Structuring Edible Oils With Fumed Silica Particles. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 4
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Li, Y., Wang, T., Camps-Arbestain, M., Suárez-Abelenda, M., & Whitby, CP. (2020). Lime and/or Phosphate Application Affects the Stability of Soil Organic Carbon: Evidence from Changes in Quantity and Chemistry of the Soil Water-Extractable Organic Matter. Environmental Science and Technology. 54(21), 13908-13916
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Hermant, A. (2020). Concentration of deposit patterns by nanoparticles modified with short amphiphiles. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 594
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Parthipan, R. (2019). Influence of particle concentration on multiple droplet formation in Pickering emulsions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 554, 315-323
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Booty, SJ., Harding, DRK., Whitby, CP., Gater, M., Chambers, P., & Singh, PM. (2018). Sustained-release injectable hydrogel formulations for administration of sodium salicylate in broiler chickens. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 32(4), 294-300
[Journal article]Authored by: Singh, P., Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Bahuon, F. (2018). Droplet fusion in oil-in-water Pickering emulsions. Frontiers in Chemistry. 6(JUN)
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Krebsz, M., & Booty, SJ. (2018). Understanding the role of hydrogen bonding in the aggregation of fumed silica particles in triglyceride solvents. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 527, 1-9
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Scarborough, H., & Ngothai, Y. (2017). Drying oil-in-water Pickering emulsions to make redispersible powders. Advanced Powder Technology. 28(11), 2940-2946
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Joyce, P., Whitby, CP., & Prestidge, CA. (2016). Nanostructuring Biomaterials with Specific Activities towards Digestive Enzymes for Controlled Gastrointestinal Absorption of Lipophilic Bioactive Molecules. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. 237, 52-75
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Wanless, EJ. (2016). Controlling pickering emulsion destabilisation: A route to fabricating new materials by phase inversion. Materials. 9(8)
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Prabakar, S., Whitby, CP., Henning, AM., & Holmes, G. (2016). The effect of Cloisite®Na+ nanoclay filler on the morphology and mechanical properties of loose leather. Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association. 111(5), 178-184
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Joyce, P., Whitby, CP., & Prestidge, CA. (2016). Interfacial processes that modulate the kinetics of lipase-mediated catalysis using porous silica host particles. RSC Advances. 6(49), 43802-43813
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Khairul Anwar, H., & Hughes, J. (2016). Destabilising Pickering emulsions by drop flocculation and adhesion. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 465, 158-164
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Joyce, P., Whitby, CP., & Prestidge, CA. (2015). Bioactive Hybrid Particles from Poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticle Stabilized Lipid Droplets. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. 7(31), 17460-17470
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Joyce, P., Tan, A., Whitby, CP., & Prestidge, CA. (2014). The role of porous nanostructure in controlling lipase-mediated digestion of lipid loaded into silica particles. Langmuir. 30(10), 2779-2788
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Garcia, PC. (2014). Time-dependent rheology of clay particle-stabilised emulsions. Applied Clay Science. 96, 56-59
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Tan, A., Colliat-Dangus, P., Whitby, CP., & Prestidge, CA. (2014). Controlling the enzymatic digestion of lipids using hybrid nanostructured materials. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. 6(17), 15363-15371
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Onnink, AJ. (2014). Rheological properties and structural correlations in particle-in-oil gels. Advanced Powder Technology. 25(4), 1185-1189
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., & Krebsz, M. (2014). Coalescence in concentrated Pickering emulsions under shear. Soft Matter. 10(27), 4848-4854
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., McVicker, R., Connor, JN., & Sedev, R. (2013). Yielding and fracturing of concentrated emulsions in narrow gaps. Soft Matter. 9(25), 5975-5981
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Bian, X., & Sedev, R. (2013). Rolling, penetration and evaporation of alcohol-water drops on coarse and fine hydrophobic powders. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 436, 639-646
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Byrne, N., DeSilva, R., Whitby, CP., & Wang, X. (2013). Silk scaffolds achieved using Pickering high internal phase emulsion templating and ionic liquids. RSC Advances. 3(46), 24025-24027
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., Ralston, J., Liggieri, L., & Ravera, F. (2012). Properties of fatty amine-silica nanoparticle interfacial layers at the hexane-water interface. Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 116(4), 3050-3058
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Garcia, PC., & Whitby, CP. (2012). Laponite-stabilised oil-in-water emulsions: Viscoelasticity and thixotropy. Soft Matter. 8(5), 1609-1615
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Juárez, JA., & Whitby, CP. (2012). Oil-in-water Pickering emulsion destabilisation at low particle concentrations. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 368(1), 319-325
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Lim, LH., Ghouchi Eskandar, N., Simovic, S., & Prestidge, CA. (2012). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as a particulate emulsifier. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 375(1), 142-147
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Lotte, L., & Lang, C. (2012). Structure of concentrated oil-in-water Pickering emulsions. Soft Matter. 8(30), 7784-7789
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Bian, X., & Sedev, R. (2012). Spontaneous liquid marble formation on packed porous beds. Soft Matter. 8(44), 11336-11342
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Fischer, FE., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2011). Shear-induced coalescence of oil-in-water Pickering emulsions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 361(1), 170-177
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Priest, C., Reid, MD., & Whitby, CP. (2011). Formation and stability of nanoparticle-stabilised oil-in-water emulsions in a microfluidic chip. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 363(1), 301-306
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2010). Structure of oil-in-water emulsions stabilised by silica and hydrophobised titania particles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 342(1), 205-209
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Tran, DNH., Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2010). Selective separation of very fine particles at a planar air-water interface. International Journal of Mineral Processing. 94(1-2), 35-42
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Tran, DNH., Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2010). Foamability of aqueous suspensions of fine graphite and quartz particles with a triblock copolymer. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 348(2), 460-468
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Vashisth, C., Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2010). Interfacial displacement of nanoparticles by surfactant molecules in emulsions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 349(2), 537-543
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2009). Effect of adding anionic surfactant on the stability of Pickering emulsions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 329(1), 173-181
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Tan, SY., Whitby, CP., Ralston, J., & Fornasiero, D. (2009). Brownian diffusion of ultrafine particles to an air-water interface. Advanced Powder Technology. 20(3), 262-266
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J. (2008). Effect of oil soluble surfactant in emulsions stabilised by clay particles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 323(2), 410-419
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Djerdjev, AM., Beattie, JK., & Warr, GG. (2007). In situ determination of the size and polydispersity of concentrated emulsions. Langmuir. 23(4), 1694-1700
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Djerdjev, AM., Beattie, JK., & Warr, GG. (2006). Nanoparticle adsorption and stabilisation of surfactant-free emulsions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 301(1), 342-345
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., & Whitby, CP. (2005). Nanoparticle silica-stabilised oil-in-water emulsions: Improving emulsion stability. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 253(1-3), 105-115
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., Clint, JH., & Whitby, CP. (2005). Rheological behavior of water-in-oil emulsions stabilized by hydrophobic bentonite particles. Langmuir. 21(12), 5307-5316
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., Clint, JH., Mackenzie, G., Simcock, C., & Whitby, CP. (2005). Naturally occurring spore particles at planar fluid interfaces and in emulsions. Langmuir. 21(18), 8161-8167
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., & Whitby, CP. (2004). Silica Particle-Stabilized Emulsions of Silicone Oil and Water: Aspects of Emulsification. Langmuir. 20(4), 1130-1137
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Amalvy, JI., Unali, GF., Li, Y., Granger-Bevan, S., Armes, SP., Binks, BP., . . . Whitby, CP. (2004). Synthesis of sterically stabilized polystyrene latex particles using cationic block copolymers and macromonomers and their application as stimulus-responsive particulate emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions. Langmuir. 20(11), 4345-4354
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Scales, PJ., Grieser, F., Healy, TW., Kirby, G., Lewis, JA., . . . Zukoski, CF. (2003). PAA/PEO comb polymer effects on rheological properties and interparticle forces in aqueous silica suspensions. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 262(1), 274-281
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Arditty, S., Whitby, CP., Binks, BP., Schmitt, V., & Leal-Calderon, F. (2003). Some general features of limited coalescence in solid-stabilized emulsions. European Physical Journal E. 11(3), 273-281
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., & Whitby, CP. (2003). Temperature-dependent stability of water-in-undecanol emulsions. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 224(1-3), 241-249
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Arditty, S., Whitby, CP., Binks, BP., Schmitt, V., & Leal-Calderon, F. (2003). Erratum: Some general features of limited coalescence in solid-stabilized emulsions (European Physical Journal E (2003) 11 (273-281)). European Physical Journal E. 12(2), 355
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Binks, BP., Clint, JH., Dyab, AKF., Fletcher, PDI., Kirkland, M., & Whitby, CP. (2003). Ellipsometric Ƶ of Monodisperse Silica Particles at an Oil-Water Interface. Langmuir. 19(21), 8888-8893
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Scales, PJ., Grieser, F., Healy, TW., Nishimura, S., & Tateyama, H. (2001). The adsorption of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide on mica in aqueous solution studied by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 235(2), 350-357
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Hartmann, AJ., Gutleben, CD., Foran, GJ., Whitby, CP., Lamb, RN., Isobe, C., . . . Scott, JF. (1997). Atomic environment of tantalum in the intermediate fluorite phase of SrBi<inf>2</inf>Ta<inf>2</inf>O<inf>9</inf> thin films. Ferroelectrics, Letters Section. 23(3-4), 75-80
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Atchison, SN., Burford, RP., Whitby, CP., & Hibbert, DB. (1995). Electrodeposition of copper in quasi-two dimensions from solutions containing sodium sulfate. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. 399(1-2), 71-77
[Journal article]Authored by: Whitby, C.

Book

Pradhan, S., Whitby, CP., & Williams, MAK.L. Melton, F. Shahidi, & P. Varelis (Eds.)November(pp. 130 - 133). JanuaryMayPradhan, S., Whitby, CP., & Williams, MAK.(pp. 130 - 133). JanuaryPradhan, S., Whitby, CP., & Williams, MAK.L. Melton, F. Shahidi, & P. Varelis (Eds.)MayJanuaryMayMay
[Reference Book]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP.(pp. 127 - 146). JanuaryWhitby, CP.DL. Andrews, RH. Lipson, & T. Nann (Eds.)January(pp. 127 - 146). JanuaryMay
[Reference Book]Authored by: Whitby, C.

Conference

Carlisle, N., Williams, MAK., Whitby, CP., Nock, V., Chen, JLY., & Avci, E.Manipulation of Optical Force-Induced Micro-Assemblies at the Air-Liquid Interface. IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems. (pp. 2709 - 2714). 2153-0858.
[Conference]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Gupta, A., Harding, D., Pomroy, W., Singh, P., & Whitby, C. (2020). Development of Novel Anthelmintic to Overcome the Drug Resistance Problem in Nematode Infested Ruminants. In Conference Programme and Abstracts(pp. 27 - 29). , New Zealand Society for Parasitology Annual Meeting No.48
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Singh, P., Whitby, C.
Harding, D., Gupta, A., Singh, P., Whitby, C., Pomroy, W., & Kandile, N. (2018). Condensed tannin from bioactive plants: A potential solution for killing nematodes as a novel anthelmintic to tackle anthelmintic resistance problems in New Zealand. Vol. 8 (pp. 36 - 36). , World Congress on Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry: Medicinal Chemistry
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Singh, P., Whitby, C.
Whitby, CP., Bian, X., & Sedev, R.Free running droplets on packed powder beds. AIP Conference Proceedings. (pp. 1043 - 1046). 0094-243X.
[Conference]Authored by: Whitby, C.
Vashisth, C., Whitby, C., Fornasiero, D., & Ralston, J.Effect of anionic surfactant on silica particle attachment at the oil-water interface. XXV International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, IMPC 2010. (pp. 407 - 415).
[Conference]Authored by: Whitby, C.

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

123.104 - Chemistry for Biological Systems - first year chemistry laboratory and workshop supervision

123.105 - Chemistry and the Physical World - first year thermodynamics and transition metal complexes lectures and first year chemistry laboratory supervision

123.201 - Chemical Energetics - second year phase diagram and electrochemistry lectures and supervising second year physical chemistry laboratory

123.204 - Chemicaland Biochemical Analysis - second year titrations and chromatography lectures and supervising second year analytical chemistry laboratory

123.271 - Molecules to Materials - second year soft matter lectures 

123.712-H - Advanced Nanoscience and Physical Chemistry - Experimental Methods in Surface Chemistry

Graduate Supervision Statement

I was fortunate to have some fantastic PhD supervisors and my style of graduate supervision is based on these experiences and interactions. I like to meet frequently with my students discuss how their research project is going and to provide support and guidance. I also meet with my students regularly as part of the wider research group I lead with my colleague Bill Williams. Our students benefit from the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge during group meetings and help each other with their projects. They also gain experience in problem-solving and decision-making in a team environment. I also encourage my students to get involved in activities that will advance their scientific careers, including participating in seminars, workshops and conferences related to their interests. Several of my former students (from Massey and the universities where I worked previously) are now working as scientific researchers in industry and at universities.


Associate Professor Catherine Whitby is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 3 0
Co-supervisor 4 9

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

Co-supervisor of:

  • Andre Buzas Stowers-Hull - Doctor of Philosophy
    Streamlining Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Modern Inudstrial Applications
  • Maryam Hesabirad - Doctor of Philosophy
    Molecular modifications of plant proteins - consequences for structure and functionality
  • Faruk Ahmed - Doctor of Philosophy
    Valorisation of the New Zealand macadamia husk and delivery of its bioactive compounds via functional foods
  • Gieun Yun - Doctor of Philosophy
    Modelling the heat stability of milk

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2022 - Arka Gupta - Doctor of Philosophy
    Discovery of Novel Plant Based Compounds to Address the Drug Resistance Problem in Nematode Infested Ruminants
  • 2022 - Muhammad Rehmani - Doctor of Philosophy
    Printed Sensors for Indoor Air Quality
  • 2022 - Benjamin Westberry - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Disordered- and Ordered-State Structures of κ-Carrageenan: an X-ray Scattering, Molecular Dynamics, and Density-Functional Theory Ƶ
  • 2022 - Sashikumar Ramamirtham - Doctor of Philosophy
    Structure-Rheology Relationships of Protein-Polysaccharide Complexes at Oil/Water Interfaces
  • 2021 - Susav Pradhan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Biophysical investigations of cells focusing on the utility of optical tweezers
  • 2021 - Hossein Etemadi - Doctor of Philosophy
    Hydrothermal Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles for Potential Technological Applications
  • 2021 - Yang Li - Doctor of Philosophy
    An investigation on the effects of lime and/or phosphorus fertilizer applications on soil organic matter preservation
  • 2019 - Benjamin Munro - Doctor of Philosophy
    Structure and properties of tunable Pickering emulsions
  • 2019 - Adil Alkas - Doctor of Philosophy
    Synthesis of Multicomponent Metal-Organic frameworks and Investigations of Their Physical Properties

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