Since joining the Board in 2023, Dr Leemon has brought extensive scientific knowledge and practical apiary expertise to the Wheen Bee Foundation.

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said Dr Leemon’s contribution had extended well beyond her role on the Board.

“Diana has brought an incredible depth of scientific knowledge to the Foundation, but just as importantly, she understands how that science translates into practical outcomes for beekeepers, researchers and the wider industry,” Ms Chambers said.

As a renowned research scientist in applied mycology and biological control, Dr Leemon’s deep understanding of pest management and bee ecology has helped guide the Foundation’s research projects and national advocacy.

Alongside her Board role, Dr Leemon has played an important role on the Research Apiary Technical Advisory Committee, providing oversight to ensure the Wheen Bee Foundation’s Research Apiary serves as an effective resource for honey bee and native bee research across Australia.

“Diana has been particularly generous with her expertise through the Research Apiary, helping ensure it remains a valuable and scientifically robust resource for researchers across Australia,” Ms Chambers said.

Dr Leemon started beekeeping as a hobby in 1997, which soon sparked a pivotal research project investigating the fungal biocontrol of small hive beetle after the pest arrived in Australia in 2002.

Her international expertise in this field led to her serving as a hearing expert for the European Union Food Safety Authority’s working group on Small Hive Beetle in 2015.

Dr Leemon’s departure comes during an exceptionally active period in her academic and industry work.

Earlier this year, she was appointed Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University, adding to her roles as Adjunct Associate Professor with Southern Cross University’s Bees for Sustainable Living research group and Board Member of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.

Her career has also included working as a contract trainer for the National Varroa Mite Management Program in Queensland and as a Senior Scientist and Principal Research Scientist with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland.

A past member of the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association management committee, Dr Leemon also completed two terms on the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination industry advisory panel, serving as both Deputy Chair and Acting Chair during her final term.

Throughout her career, Dr Leemon has remained a generous champion of knowledge sharing, regularly presenting at beekeeping clubs and industry workshops across Australia to share her research and expertise.

“Diana has given so much of her time and knowledge to the Foundation and the wider beekeeping community, and her contribution will have a lasting impact,” Ms Chambers said.

“We are incredibly grateful for everything Diana has brought to the Foundation and wish her every success as she continues her important research.”

Follow Dr Diana Leemon on LinkedIn to keep up with her latest research and work. Visit her page here.

Cover image: Dr Diana Leemon with fellow RATAC members receiving new equipment for the Wheen Bee Foundation Research Apiary in 2025.

Year 8 student Carmen and Year 1 student Finley with Wheen Bee Foundation Board member Dr Diana Leemon at a planting day supported by the 2025 Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants. Image: Stephen Schulz Photography.

Dr Diana Leemon with fellow members of the Wheen Bee Foundation Board. From left: Robert Costa, Rex Carruthers, Jodie Goldsworthy AM, Rob Wheatley, Fiona Chambers, Tom Simmons, Dr Diana Leemon, Peter Knoblanche and Des Cannon.