Dr Whatnall is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition (PRC-PAN) and the School of Health Sciences, and a Casual Academic in the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, the University of Newcastle. She was awarded her PhD (Nutrition and Dietetics) from the University of Newcastle in 2019, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with Honours Class I from the University of Newcastle in 2015, and is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
Dr Whatnall's research focuses on understanding and optimising the health and wellbeing of young adults, with the aim of enabling individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of chronic disease.