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
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
2014
Journal Article
Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors: a meta-analysis
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M., Doi, Suhail A. R, Hooper, John D., Prins, John B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2014). Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors: a meta-analysis. Endocrine, 45 (3), 370-381. doi: 10.1007/s12020-013-0083-z
2013
Journal Article
Determinants of foodservice satisfaction for patients in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residents in residential aged care
Olivia Wright, Connelly, Luke B., Capra, Sandra and Hendrikz, Joan (2013). Determinants of foodservice satisfaction for patients in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residents in residential aged care. Health Expectations, 16 (3), 251-265. doi: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2011.00711.x
2013
Journal Article
The effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D on insulin sensitivity in obesity: is it mediated via adiponectin?
Wright, Olivia R. L., Hickman, Ingrid J., Petchey, William G., Sullivan, Clair M., Ong, Cynthia, Rose, Felicity J., Ng, Choaping, Prins, Johannes B., Whitehead, Jonathan P. and O'Moore-Sullivan, Trisha M. (2013). The effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D on insulin sensitivity in obesity: is it mediated via adiponectin?. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 91 (6), 496-501. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2012-0436
2013
Journal Article
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of dried purple carrot on body mass, lipids, blood pressure, body composition, and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese adults: the QUENCH trial
Wright, Olivia R. L., Netzel, Gabriele A. and Sakzewski, Amy R. (2013). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of dried purple carrot on body mass, lipids, blood pressure, body composition, and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese adults: the QUENCH trial. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 91 (6), 480-488. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2012-0349
2013
Conference Publication
The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude, Hooper, John, Prins, John, Doi, Suhail and Wright, Olivia (2013). The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer World Congress & 14th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference, Melbourne Australia, 6–10 August 2013. West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/bju.12293
2012
Conference Publication
Outcome indicators to measure quality of care in hospital
Martin-Khan, M., Brand, C., Gray, L., Jones, R., Morris, J., Tropea, J. and Wright, O. (2012). Outcome indicators to measure quality of care in hospital. 45th National Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology, Brisbane, Australia, 20-23 November 2012. Richmond, VIC., Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00655.x
2011
Journal Article
Reliability of online geriatric consultation triage decisions: A pilot study
Dakin, Lucy, Cutler, Alison, Wright, Olivia, Martin-Khan, Melinda, Varghese, Paul and Gray, Len (2011). Reliability of online geriatric consultation triage decisions: A pilot study. Australasian Journal On Ageing, 30 (4), 239-240. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2011.00576.x
2011
Journal Article
Development of quality indicators for monitoring outcomes of frail elderly hospitalised in acute care health settings: Study Protocol
Brand, Caroline A., Martin-Khan, Melinda, Wright, Olivia, Jones, Richard N., Morris, John N., Travers, Catherine M., Tropea, Joannne and Gray, Leonard C. (2011). Development of quality indicators for monitoring outcomes of frail elderly hospitalised in acute care health settings: Study Protocol. BMC Health Services Research, 11 (1) 281, Article number 281. doi: 10.1186/1472-6963-11-281
2011
Journal Article
Nutrition and prostate cancer: Latest insights and practice recommendations
Wright, Olivia R. L., Bauer, Judith D. and Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M. (2011). Nutrition and prostate cancer: Latest insights and practice recommendations. Cancer Forum, 35 (2), 107-111.
2011
Conference Publication
Menu planning standards in action – international comparison
Abbey, K., Wright, O. and Capra, S. (2011). Menu planning standards in action – international comparison. DAA 29th National Conference. Next Generation Nutrition: Innovative Solutions, Adelaide, SA Australia, 26-28 May 2011. Wiley.
2011
Conference Publication
Innovation in clinical education- developing the evidence for best practice.
Vivanti A, Ferguson M, Capra S, Wright O, Bauer J and Courtice S (2011). Innovation in clinical education- developing the evidence for best practice.. Dietitians Association of Australia 29th National Conference 2011, Adelaide, 26-28 May 2011.
2010
Journal Article
Foodservice satisfaction domains in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care
Wright, O.R.L., Capra, S. and Connelly, L. B. (2010). Foodservice satisfaction domains in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care. The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 14 (9), 775-780. doi: 10.1007/s12603-010-0123-9
2010
Conference Publication
Indicators of quality of care for frail aged patients in the acute care setting
Martin-Khan, M., Brand, C., Gray, L., Jones, R., Morris, J., Tropea, J., Wright, O. and Res Collaborative Quality Care (2010). Indicators of quality of care for frail aged patients in the acute care setting. 43nd National Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 17-19 November 2010. Richmond, Vic., Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2010.00481.x
2010
Conference Publication
Understanding food in aged care facilities: Findings from a case study
Petersen, M., Wilson, J., Wright, O. and Capra, S. (2010). Understanding food in aged care facilities: Findings from a case study . 43rd National Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology. Islands of Ageing: Building Bridges for people, policy and practice, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 17-19 November 2010. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2010.00481.x
2009
Journal Article
Geriatric ward rounds by video conference: a solution for rural hospitals
Gray, LC, Wright, OR, Cutler, AJ, Scuffham, PA and Wootton, R (2009). Geriatric ward rounds by video conference: a solution for rural hospitals. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA, 191 (11-12), 605-608. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb03345.x
2009
Journal Article
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for the private hospital inpatient
Salih, Salih A., Wright, Olivia and Gray, Len (2009). Comprehensive geriatric assessment for the private hospital inpatient. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 28 (3), 152-152. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2009.00358.x
Funding
Current 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
-
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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