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
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, Queensland University of Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Member, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia
Research interests
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Diet–microbiome resilience and personalised nutrition
I study how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and individual variability in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Olivia Wright is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The practice and effectiveness of the Accredited Practising Dietitian in multidisciplinary outpatient treatment of eating disorders
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Dietary patterns and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathogenicity of appendicitis in humans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Hwang, Professor Eugeni Roura
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Doctor Philosophy
Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lauren Ball, Dr Karly Bartrim
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Impact of Culinary Education on Adolescents¿ Psychosocial Wellbeing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Breanna Lepre, Dr Aoife-Marie Foran, Professor Lauren Ball
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring and understanding the nutritional quality and functional properties of wild harvested Australian grown elderberries (native elderberries)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Michael Netzel
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Opening the Discussion on Harnessing Traditional Knowledge and Plants for Indigenous Health: Development of a Bush Food-based Carbonated Beverage
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Netzel, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Therapeutic Value of Mealtimes in Rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adrienne Young, Dr Emmah Doig
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH ADHERENCE: A COLLABORATIVE STUDY BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SPAIN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jacki Walker, Professor Eugeni Roura
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of Diet and Exercise on Prostate Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Investigations into the bone health of men on the prostate cancer continuum: A focus on osteoporosis and health behaviours
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Are We Ready for the Future? An Exploration of Australian Dietitians' Competence, Preparedness, and Experiences Working in Aged Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lauren Ball
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Michael Netzel
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
i-PATHWAY: a clinical prediction model to prevent childhood obesity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Robyn Littlewood, Dr Jacki Walker
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Australian Residential Aged Care Foodservices Menu design, quality and standards - a time for action
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sandra Capra
Media
Enquiries
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