Shaheen Whyte holds a PhD from Deakin University. His PhD focused on the study of Islamic religious authority in Australia. Prior to completing his PhD, Shaheen completed his Masters in Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies at the Australian National University. Throughout his career, Shaheen has held a variety of positions in refugee settlement and policy, including the Jesuit Refugee Service, Australian Red Cross, and Refugee Review Tribunal.

His research interests include Islamic religious authority, Islamic thought, Islamic law, Islam in Australia, and Muslim minorities in the West.