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Dr Olivia Wright
Dr

Olivia Wright

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56116

Overview

Background

Olivia is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and Director of Teaching and Learning at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland.

Her work sits at the intersection of nutrition science, the microbiome, and interprofessional practice, with a focus on nutritional resilience and personalised nutrition. She leads a program of research that explores how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and health outcomes, and how this knowledge can be translated into clinical practice, education, and policy.

Olivia’s research draws together diverse strands - including culinary nutrition, chronic disease prevention, Indigenous food systems, and AI-enabled analysis - into a cohesive program aimed at improving the lived experience of patients and communities. She has published widely in nutrition science and dietetics, and is actively pursuing national and international collaborations to advance understanding of the microbiome and its role in health resilience.

As a recognised leader in teaching and learning innovation, Olivia plays a central role in shaping the next generation of dietitians. She integrates AI, cultural safety, and inclusive design into her teaching to strengthen student confidence, belonging, and leadership. Her approach bridges education, research, and community engagement, ensuring that evidence does not just build knowledge but drives real-world impact across health systems and society.

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, Queensland University of Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia

Research interests

  • Diet–microbiome resilience and personalised nutrition

    I study how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and individual variability in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes.

  • Culinary nutrition: translating evidence into practice

    I design and evaluate culinary strategies that turn guidelines into practical, tasty meals for diverse populations and clinical needs. Projects span high-protein enrichment, Mediterranean-style patterns, and cost-conscious meal planning, across the life course.

  • Culturally safe, sustainable food systems

    I co-design nutrition solutions that respect First Nations knowledge and promote equitable access to uniquely Australian foods. Research links cultural safety, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty to everyday eating.

  • AI-enabled learning and assessment in dietetics education

    I develop and study secure, culturally safe AI tools for feedback, simulation, and assessment design in health programs. Research targets belonging, capability building, and reliable evaluation of clinical and counselling skills.

Works

Search Professor Olivia Wright’s works on UQ eSpace

155 works between 2003 and 2025

1 - 20 of 155 works

2025

Journal Article

The business of dietetics: Results from the national Australian private practice dietetics dataset

Kirkegaard, Amy, Clark, Peter, Wright, Olivia R. L. and Ball, Lauren (2025). The business of dietetics: Results from the national Australian private practice dietetics dataset. Nutrition & Dietetics 1747-0080.70036. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.70036

The business of dietetics: Results from the national Australian private practice dietetics dataset

2025

Journal Article

Development and baseline findings of a national dataset describing Australian private practice dietetics

Kirkegaard, Amy, Wright, Olivia, Clark, Peter and Ball, Lauren (2025). Development and baseline findings of a national dataset describing Australian private practice dietetics. Nutrition & Dietetics 1747-0080.70027. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.70027

Development and baseline findings of a national dataset describing Australian private practice dietetics

2025

Journal Article

Exploring the perspectives of urban and regional living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples regarding bush foods, nutrition, and health: insights for culturally-informed health policy in Australia

Cartwright, Jessica, Turner, Niall, Bruce, Sherie, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Netzel, Micheal and Wright, Olivia (2025). Exploring the perspectives of urban and regional living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples regarding bush foods, nutrition, and health: insights for culturally-informed health policy in Australia. Public Health Nutrition, 28 (1) e124, e124. doi: 10.1017/s1368980025100694

Exploring the perspectives of urban and regional living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples regarding bush foods, nutrition, and health: insights for culturally-informed health policy in Australia

2025

Conference Publication

Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie

Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Smyth, Heather (2025). Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.

Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie

2025

Conference Publication

Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?

Netzel, Michael, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.

Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?

2025

Journal Article

In-depth exploration of ‘therapeutic mealtime experiences’ in inpatient rehabilitation: mixed-methods multiple case studies

Pashley, Alice, Young, Adrienne, Doig, Emmah, Moore, Janette and Wright, Olivia (2025). In-depth exploration of ‘therapeutic mealtime experiences’ in inpatient rehabilitation: mixed-methods multiple case studies. Disability and Rehabilitation, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2512055

In-depth exploration of ‘therapeutic mealtime experiences’ in inpatient rehabilitation: mixed-methods multiple case studies

2025

Conference Publication

Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’

Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Netzel, Michael E., Smyth, Heather, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2025). Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’. QAAFI 2025 Research Meeting, Herston, QLD Australia, 19 March 2025.

Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’

2025

Journal Article

Sharper minds: feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours

Dingle, Genevieve A., Han, Rong, Huang, Kevin, Alhadad, Sakinah S.J., Beckman, Emma, Bentley, Sarah V., Edmed, Shannon, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hides, Leanne, Lorimer, Nadine, Maccallum, Fiona, McKimmie, Blake M., Ng, Norman, Rossa, Kalina, Smith, Simon S., Walter, Zoe C., Williams, Elyse, Wright, Olivia R.L. and Tanksale, Radhika (2025). Sharper minds: feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours. Journal of Affective Disorders, 378, 271-280. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.011

Sharper minds: feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours

2025

Journal Article

Flexible, adaptable, and supportive systems: qualitative description of factors underpinning an ideal mealtime delivery in rehabilitation care settings

Pashley, Alice, Young, Adrienne, Doig, Emmah, Moore, Janette and Wright, Olivia RL (2025). Flexible, adaptable, and supportive systems: qualitative description of factors underpinning an ideal mealtime delivery in rehabilitation care settings. Disability and Rehabilitation, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2471573

Flexible, adaptable, and supportive systems: qualitative description of factors underpinning an ideal mealtime delivery in rehabilitation care settings

2025

Conference Publication

Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”

Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”. 19th NZOZ Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Papaioea Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, 19-21 February 2025.

Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”

2025

Journal Article

A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system

Cartwright, Jessica, Smyth, Heather E., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina F. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2025). A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system. Journal of Sensory Studies, 40 (1) e70008, 1-15. doi: 10.1111/joss.70008

A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system

2025

Journal Article

From silos to synergy: a scoping review of team approaches to outpatient eating disorder treatment

Bray, Megan, Heruc, Gabriella and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2025). From silos to synergy: a scoping review of team approaches to outpatient eating disorder treatment. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 58 (1), 139-161. doi: 10.1002/eat.24328

From silos to synergy: a scoping review of team approaches to outpatient eating disorder treatment

2024

Journal Article

Food, nutrition and dining information on residential aged care facility websites: a website analysis

Tan, Zavier Kok Shen, Pashley, Alice, Ball, Lauren, Wright, Olivia Renee Louise and Bartrim, Karly (2024). Food, nutrition and dining information on residential aged care facility websites: a website analysis. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 44 (1) e13388, e13388. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13388

Food, nutrition and dining information on residential aged care facility websites: a website analysis

2024

Journal Article

What factors affect the recruitment and retention of allied health professionals working in hospitals? A systematic literature review

Baumgartner, Laure, Wright, Olivia, Barne, Katelyn, Bartrim, Karly, Kirkegaard, Amy, Sullivan, Victoria, Burch, Emily and Ball, Lauren (2024). What factors affect the recruitment and retention of allied health professionals working in hospitals? A systematic literature review. Australian Health Review, 49 (1) AH24287. doi: 10.1071/ah24287

What factors affect the recruitment and retention of allied health professionals working in hospitals? A systematic literature review

2024

Conference Publication

Nutritional quality of two important Australian grown strawberry varieties

Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Nutritional quality of two important Australian grown strawberry varieties. 9th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium 2024 (QACS 2024), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2024.

Nutritional quality of two important Australian grown strawberry varieties

2024

Conference Publication

Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes

Netzel, Michael, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Hong, Hung, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra, Phan, Anh, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes. Postharvest 2024, Fruit and Vegetable Health, Rotorua, New Zealand, 11-15 November 2024.

Unlocking the nutritional potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes

2024

Conference Publication

Halophytes – “Salty Champions” for a Healthy Nutrition?

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Halophytes – “Salty Champions” for a Healthy Nutrition?. 5th International Electronic Conference on Foods (MDPI): The Future of Technology, Sustainability, and Nutrition in the Food Domain, Virtual, 29 October 2024.

Halophytes – “Salty Champions” for a Healthy Nutrition?

2024

Conference Publication

Nutritional and bioactive properties of strawberries, plant-based “milks” and strawberry-smoothies

Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Nutritional and bioactive properties of strawberries, plant-based “milks” and strawberry-smoothies. NextGen Ag Symposium, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 6 September 2024.

Nutritional and bioactive properties of strawberries, plant-based “milks” and strawberry-smoothies

2024

Conference Publication

Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide

Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2024). Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide. Dietitians Australia 2024 Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18–20 August 2024.

Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide

2024

Conference Publication

Halophytes – “Salt-Loving” and Healthy"

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Halophytes – “Salt-Loving” and Healthy". AIFST24 Convention, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 6-7 August 2024.

Halophytes – “Salt-Loving” and Healthy"

Funding

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Conservative Management of bowel disorders in a Colorectal Pelvic Floor clinic: A Randomised Crossover Trial of Dietary management and/or Physiotherapy
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Creating game changing graduates in nutrition and dietetics through active learning, authentic assessment and student partnerships, using Entrustable Professional Activities
    UQ Teaching Innovation Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Naturally Nutritious
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    TrueNTH Australian Demonstration (TrueNTH AU)
    Movember Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Lactoferrin Trial - Additional sample analysis
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Development of a broader understanding of Vitamin D levels in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy to inform guidelines for post-surgery supplementation
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Cellular metabolic respirometry and enzymatic assessment suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    The Shifting Gears Project: Active Living and Healthy Eating in Queensland Truck Drivers
    Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    The impact of micronutrients on gene expression: Prostate Cancer-Lycopene (ImoGEX-PC-Lyc)TM.
    Clinical Oncological Society of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Clinical and Nutritional Biomarker Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of the effect of functional beverages on body weight, blood pressure and body fat in overweight and obese adults (The QUENCH Study)
    Dr Red Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2010
    The Effect of Functional Green Tea and Coffee on Body Weight, Blood Pressure and Body Fat in Overwieght and Obese Adults
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Shedding more light on Vitamin D, obesity and insulin resistance
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Development of Quality Indicators for the frail elderly in acute care
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Food services in residential aged care: Financial, personnel, and service delivery factors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Evaluation of the impact of an online structured geriatric assessment system
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Olivia Wright's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au