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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

159 works between 2003 and 2025

21 - 40 of 159 works

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"

2024

Conference Publication

Halophytes – Salt-Loving and Healthy

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, 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

2024

Conference Publication

Nutritional and commercial potential of Australian Indigenous edible halophytes

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Nutritional and commercial potential of Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. CQU Native Foods Workshop: Unveiling Commercial Opportunities, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia, 25 June 2024.

Nutritional and commercial potential of Australian Indigenous edible halophytes

2024

Journal Article

Patient outcome quality indicators for older persons in acute care: original development data using interRAI AC-CGA

Martin-Khan, Melinda G., Gray, Leonard C., Brand, Caroline, Wright, Olivia, Pachana, Nancy A., Byrne, Gerard J., Chatfield, Mark D., Jones, Richard, Morris, John, Travers, Catherine, Tropea, Joanne, Xiong, Beibei, Research Collaborative for Quality Care: Acute Care Panel and Research Collaborative for Quality Care: Dementia Care Panel (2024). Patient outcome quality indicators for older persons in acute care: original development data using interRAI AC-CGA. BMC Geriatrics, 24 (1) 527, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-04980-9

Patient outcome quality indicators for older persons in acute care: original development data using interRAI AC-CGA

2024

Journal Article

Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health

Dingle, Genevieve A., Han, Rong, Alhadad, Sakinah S. J., Beckman, Emma, Bentley, Sarah V., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hides, Leanne, Maccallum, Fiona, McKimmie, Blake M., Rossa, Kalina, Smith, Simon S., Walter, Zoe C., Williams, Elyse and Wright, Olivia (2024). Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58 (6), 528-536. doi: 10.1177/00048674241233111

Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health

2024

Journal Article

Dietitians' perceptions of employment models used in Australian residential aged care facilities

Bartrim, Karly, Wright, Olivia R. L., Moyle, Wendy and Ball, Lauren (2024). Dietitians' perceptions of employment models used in Australian residential aged care facilities. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 43 (4), 762-772. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13335

Dietitians' perceptions of employment models used in Australian residential aged care facilities

2024

Conference Publication

The dietary potential of “salt-loving” Australian Indigenous edible halophytes

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). The dietary potential of “salt-loving” Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. Agtech Innovation Seminar for Protected Cropping, UQ Gatton Campus, QLD, Australia, 29 May 2024.

The dietary potential of “salt-loving” Australian Indigenous edible halophytes

2024

Journal Article

‘On‐Demand’ snack service in a rehabilitation setting: impact on satisfaction, intake, waste and costs

Ellick, Jennifer, Pashley, Alice, Cave, Danielle, Nelson, Oliver and Wright, Olivia (2024). ‘On‐Demand’ snack service in a rehabilitation setting: impact on satisfaction, intake, waste and costs. Nutrition and Dietetics, 81 (4), 454-463. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12881

‘On‐Demand’ snack service in a rehabilitation setting: impact on satisfaction, intake, waste and costs

2024

Conference Publication

Exploring the nutritional potential of halophytes

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia R. L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Exploring the nutritional potential of halophytes. QAAFI/AGFS/DAF Food Science Seminar, UQ Long Pocket Campus, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia, 14 May 2024.

Exploring the nutritional potential of halophytes

2024

Journal Article

Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Wright, Olivia R. L., Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate. Journal of Food Science, 89 (5), 2991-3005. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17034

Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate

2024

Conference Publication

Several genetic SNPs identified in acute appendicitis patients including the HLA-C known to be related to coeliac disease in a Genome-Wide Association Study

Ryoo, M., Hwang, L-D., Wright, O., Brown, J., de Pouplana, L.R. and Roura, E. (2024). Several genetic SNPs identified in acute appendicitis patients including the HLA-C known to be related to coeliac disease in a Genome-Wide Association Study. 57th Nutrition Society of New Zealand and 47th Nutrition Society of Australia Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 November – 1 December 2023. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665124001721

Several genetic SNPs identified in acute appendicitis patients including the HLA-C known to be related to coeliac disease in a Genome-Wide Association Study

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

2023

Journal Article

Australian indigenous edible halophytes—nutritious and functional for a sustainable future: antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Seididamyeh, Maral, Wright, Olivia R. L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Australian indigenous edible halophytes—nutritious and functional for a sustainable future: antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 135 (2), 41-46. doi: 10.1071/rs23007

Australian indigenous edible halophytes—nutritious and functional for a sustainable future: antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties

2023

Journal Article

Collaborative dietetic and psychological care in Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for adults with Anorexia Nervosa: a novel treatment approach

Bray, Megan, Heruc, Gabriella, Byrne, Susan and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Collaborative dietetic and psychological care in Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for adults with Anorexia Nervosa: a novel treatment approach. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11 (1) 31, 31. doi: 10.1186/s40337-023-00743-w

Collaborative dietetic and psychological care in Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for adults with Anorexia Nervosa: a novel treatment approach

2023

Journal Article

The imperative of collaboration: Lived experience perspectives on team approaches in outpatient eating disorder treatment

Bray, Megan, Heruc, Gabriella, Evans, Lacey and Wright, Olivia R.L. (2023). The imperative of collaboration: Lived experience perspectives on team approaches in outpatient eating disorder treatment. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57 (1), 116-123. doi: 10.1002/eat.24084

The imperative of collaboration: Lived experience perspectives on team approaches in outpatient eating disorder treatment

2023

Conference Publication

Nutritional quality and functional properties of Australian grown elderberries

Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Nutritional quality and functional properties of Australian grown elderberries. NextGen Ag Symposium, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 29 September 2023.

Nutritional quality and functional properties of Australian grown elderberries

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