
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
2017
Journal Article
Association of sun exposure, skin colour and body mass index with vitamin D status in individuals who are morbidly obese
Dix, Clare F., Bauer, Judith D., Martin, Ian, Rochester, Sharon, Romero, Briony Duarte, Prins, Johannes B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). Association of sun exposure, skin colour and body mass index with vitamin D status in individuals who are morbidly obese. Nutrients, 9 (10) 1094, 1094. doi: 10.3390/nu9101094
2017
Journal Article
The effect of nutrition therapy and exercise on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review
Baguley, Brenton J. , Bolam, Kate A. , Wright, Olivia R. L. and Tina L. Skinner (2017). The effect of nutrition therapy and exercise on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review. Nutrients, 9 (9) 1003, 1003. doi: 10.3390/nu9091003
2017
Journal Article
The association between the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and cognitive health: a systematic review
Aridi, Yasmine S., Walker, Jacqueline L. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). The association between the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and cognitive health: a systematic review. Nutrients, 9 (7) 674, 674. doi: 10.3390/nu9070674
2017
Journal Article
The impact of an m-Health financial incentives program on the physical activity and diet of Australian truck drivers
Gilson, Nicholas D., Pavey, Toby G., Wright, Olivia R. L., Vandelanotte, Corneel, Duncan, Mitch J., Gomersall, Sjaan, Trost, Stewart G. and Brown, Wendy J. (2017). The impact of an m-Health financial incentives program on the physical activity and diet of Australian truck drivers. BMC Public Health, 17 (1) 467, 467. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4380-y
2017
Journal Article
Foodservice management returns: the need to rejuvenate the superhero contribution of dietetics
Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). Foodservice management returns: the need to rejuvenate the superhero contribution of dietetics. Nutrition and Dietetics, 74 (2), 113-115. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12349
2017
Journal Article
Nutrition therapy with high intensity interval training to improve prostate cancer-related fatigue in men on androgen deprivation therapy: a study protocol
Baguley, Brenton J., Skinner, Tina L., Leveritt, Michael D. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). Nutrition therapy with high intensity interval training to improve prostate cancer-related fatigue in men on androgen deprivation therapy: a study protocol. BMC Cancer, 17 (1) 1, 1. doi: 10.1186/s12885-016-3022-6
2017
Conference Publication
Identification and quantification of dietary anthocyanins and metabolites in human urine
Netzel, Michael E., Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Gabriele (2017). Identification and quantification of dietary anthocyanins and metabolites in human urine. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2017, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2017.
2017
Journal Article
Osteoporosis-Related Health Behaviors in Men With Prostate Cancer and Survivors Exploring Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M., Skinner, Tina L., Hooper, John D., Prins, John B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). Osteoporosis-Related Health Behaviors in Men With Prostate Cancer and Survivors Exploring Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy. American Journal of Men’s Health, 11 (1), 13-23. doi: 10.1177/1557988315615956
2017
Journal Article
Entrustable professional activities for nutrition and dietetics practice: Theoretical development
Wright, O. R. L. and Capra, S. M. (2017). Entrustable professional activities for nutrition and dietetics practice: Theoretical development. Focus On Health Professional Education-A Multidisciplinary Journal, 18 (3), 31-43. doi: 10.11157/fohpe.v18i3.143
2016
Journal Article
A systematic review: vitamin D status and sleeve gastrectomy
Dix, Clare F., Bauer, Judith D. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2016). A systematic review: vitamin D status and sleeve gastrectomy. Obesity Surgery, 27 (1), 215-225. doi: 10.1007/s11695-016-2436-1
2016
Journal Article
Vitamin D: Australian dietitian's knowledge and practices
Dix, Clare F., Robinson, Alex, Bauer, Judith D. and Wright, Olivia R.L. (2016). Vitamin D: Australian dietitian's knowledge and practices. Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 74 (4), 396-407. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12291
2016
Journal Article
A review of the effect of dietary composition on fasting substrate oxidation in healthy and overweight subjects
Whelan, Megan E., Wright, Olivia R. L. and Hickman, Ingrid J. (2016). A review of the effect of dietary composition on fasting substrate oxidation in healthy and overweight subjects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56 (1), 146-151. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.717975
2016
Conference Publication
Australian dietitians’ knowledge and practices regarding vitamin D
Dix, Clare, Robinson, Alex, Bauer, Judith and Wright, Olivia (2016). Australian dietitians’ knowledge and practices regarding vitamin D. 33rd National Conference of Dietitians Association of Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 19-21 May 2016. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12774
2016
Conference Publication
The impact of a mediterranean-style dietary pattern on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot study
Baguley, Brenton J., Skinner, Tina L., Leveritt, Michael D. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2016). The impact of a mediterranean-style dietary pattern on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot study. COSA's 43rd and ANZBCTG's 38th Annual Scientific Meetings, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 15–17 November 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2016
Journal Article
The Space of Family Care-Giving in Australian Aged Care Facilities: Implications for Social Work
Petersen, Maree, Wilson, Jill, Wright, Olivia, Ward, Elizabeth and Capra, Sandra (2016). The Space of Family Care-Giving in Australian Aged Care Facilities: Implications for Social Work. British Journal of Social Work, 46 (1), 81-97. doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bcu108
2015
Journal Article
Menu planning in residential aged care—The level of choice and quality of planning of meals available to residents
Abbey, Karen L., Wright, Olivia R.L. and Capra, Sandra. (2015). Menu planning in residential aged care—The level of choice and quality of planning of meals available to residents. Nutrients, 7 (9), 7580-7592. doi: 10.3390/nu7095354
2015
Journal Article
Development of an integrated screener for under nutrition within a comprehensive geriatric assessment system
Wright, O. R. L., Klein, K., Lakhan, P., Vivanti, A. P. and Gray, L. C. (2015). Development of an integrated screener for under nutrition within a comprehensive geriatric assessment system. The Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice, 4 (1), 25-33. doi: 10.14283/jarcp.2015.48
2015
Journal Article
Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M., Doi, Suhail A. R., Hooper, John D., Prins, John B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2015). Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy. Endocrine, 50 (2), 344-354. doi: 10.1007/s12020-015-0536-7
2015
Journal Article
Recent advances in physical delivery enhancement of topical drugs
Raphael, A. P., Wright, O. R. L., Benson, Heather A. and Prow, Tarl W. (2015). Recent advances in physical delivery enhancement of topical drugs. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 21 (20), 2830-2847. doi: 10.2174/1381612821666150428144852
2014
Journal Article
Systematic review of knowledge, confidence and education in nutritional genomics for students and professionals in nutrition and dietetics
Wright, O. R. L. (2014). Systematic review of knowledge, confidence and education in nutritional genomics for students and professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 27 (3), 298-307. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12132
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 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
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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
Dietary patterns and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathogenicity of appendicitis in humans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Hwang, Professor Eugeni Roura
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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