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
2023
Conference Publication
Kakadu Plum Beverage Project
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Kakadu Plum Beverage Project. Health and Wellbeing Queensland Project Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4 April 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Consumption of diets rich in animal protein, saturated fat, or sodium, and low in fibre are associated with increased risk of acute appendicitis
Ryoo, M., Hwang, D., Wright, O., Brown, J. and Roura, E. (2023). Consumption of diets rich in animal protein, saturated fat, or sodium, and low in fibre are associated with increased risk of acute appendicitis. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Perth, WA Australia, 29 November – 2 December 2022. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665123001258
2023
Conference Publication
Increased risk of acute appendicitis linked to biological sex, ethnic background, obesity, and smoking status
Ryoo, M., Hwang, D., Wright, O., Brown, J. and Roura, E. (2023). Increased risk of acute appendicitis linked to biological sex, ethnic background, obesity, and smoking status. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Perth, WA Australia, 29 November – 2 December 2022. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665123001714
2023
Conference Publication
Empowering Indigenous communities to improve their health through nutrition: Introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage alternative
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Empowering Indigenous communities to improve their health through nutrition: Introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage alternative. Student Presentations session of Karen Sheldon visit to UQ, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 7 March 2023.
2023
Other Outputs
Sharper Minds 2022 Report
Dingle, G., Williams, E., Alhadad, S. S. J., Beckman, E., Bentley, S., Fooken, J., Gomersall, S. R., Hides, L., Ludlow, T., Maccallum, F., McKimmie, B.M., Rossa, K., Smith, S. S., Walter, Z.C and Wright, O. (2023). Sharper Minds 2022 Report.
2023
Journal Article
Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide. Beverages, 9 (1) 11, 1-53. doi: 10.3390/beverages9010011
2023
Journal Article
Malnutrition in older adults
Dent, Elsa, Wright, Olivia R. L., Woo, Jean and Hoogendijk, Emiel O. (2023). Malnutrition in older adults. Lancet, 401 (10380), 951-966. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02612-5
2023
Journal Article
Nutritional composition and anti-nutrients of underutilized Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – Saltbush, Seablite and Seapurslane
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Nutritional composition and anti-nutrients of underutilized Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – Saltbush, Seablite and Seapurslane. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 115 104876, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104876
2022
Conference Publication
Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – nutritious and functional for a sustainable future
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Hong, H. T., Netzel, G., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – nutritious and functional for a sustainable future. 19th Biennial Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Associations of von Humboldt Fellows, Geelong, VIC Australia, 19-20 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Strawberry – an overlooked source of natural folate?
Netzel, M., Wright, O., Hong, H. T., Netzel, G., Rychlik, M. and O'Hare, T. (2022). Strawberry – an overlooked source of natural folate?. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of minerals and phytochemicals from Australian halophytes
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Addepalli, R., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y., Netzel, M. E. and Osborne, S. (2022). In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of minerals and phytochemicals from Australian halophytes. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking sweetness – a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption
Cartwright, J., Wright, O., Netzel, M. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Seeking sweetness – a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Alternative options for salt in dietary patterns: underutilised plant species
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Olarte Mantilla, S. M., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Alternative options for salt in dietary patterns: underutilised plant species. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Book Chapter
Red Bush Apple ( Syzygium suborbiculare )
Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2022). Red Bush Apple ( Syzygium suborbiculare ). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 228-237) GB: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0015
2022
Book Chapter
Saltbush (Atriplex sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Wright, Olivia, Cozzolino, Daniel, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2022). Saltbush (Atriplex sp.). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 1-10) London, United Kingdom: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0001
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2022). Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Post-Graduate Conference, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 28 October 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2022). Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide. Uniquely Australian Foods Annual Workshop, Long Pocket, QLD, Australia, 27 October 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Nutritional knowledge of the Mediterranean diet is associated with positive attitudes and adherence in a non-Mediterranean multi-ethnic society
Aridi, Yasmine S., Walker, Jacqueline L., Roura, Eugeni and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2022). Nutritional knowledge of the Mediterranean diet is associated with positive attitudes and adherence in a non-Mediterranean multi-ethnic society. Dietetics, 1 (2), 124-136. doi: 10.3390/dietetics1020013
2022
Conference Publication
Australian Indigenous edible halophytes
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Wright, O., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. Visit and Workshop with Twin Lakes Cultural Park, Broome, WA Australia, 30 July 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Foodservice systems and mealtime models in rehabilitation: scoping review
Pashley, Alice, Young, Adrienne and Wright, Olivia (2022). Foodservice systems and mealtime models in rehabilitation: scoping review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78 (11), 3559-3586. doi: 10.1111/jan.15379
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Olivia Wright is:
- Available for supervision
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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
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
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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
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
Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lauren Ball, Dr Karly Bartrim
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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