
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
2008
Conference Publication
Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care: Implications for service delivery for an ageing population
Wright, Olivia, Connelly, Luke and Capra, Sandra (2008). Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care: Implications for service delivery for an ageing population. Dietitians Association of Australia 26th National Conference, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia, 29-31 May 2008. Asia: Wiley Interscience.
2008
Conference Publication
Geriatric rounds by mobile video-conference
Gray, L. C., Wright, O., Scuffham, P. A. and Wootton, R. (2008). Geriatric rounds by mobile video-conference. The Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 8-10 Sept 2008. Australia: Wiley-Blackwell.
2007
Journal Article
Challenges in the development of e-health strategies for geriatric medicine
Wright, Oliver, Wootton, Richard, Margolis, Stephen, Scuffham, Paul and Gray, Len (2007). Challenges in the development of e-health strategies for geriatric medicine. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 13 (Supp. 3), 98-100. doi: 10.1258/135763307783247347
2007
Conference Publication
Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care: implications for service delivery for an ageing population
Capra, S., Connelly, L. and Wright, O. (2007). Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care: implications for service delivery for an ageing population. Medicine Ageing & Nutrition 2007 Conference of Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine (ANZSGM), Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ),and the International Academy of Nutrition and Aging (IANA), Adelaide, S.A., 5-8 Sep 2007.
2007
Conference Publication
Geriatric ward rounds conducted by videoconference
Gray, Len, Wright, Olivia, Armfield, Nigel R. and Wootton, Richard (2007). Geriatric ward rounds conducted by videoconference. Successes and Failures in Telehealth, Brisbane, Queensland, 27-28 August, 2007. U.K.: Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd..
2007
Conference Publication
The development of telehealth strategies for geriatric medicine
Wright, O., Wootton, R., Margolis, S., Scuffham, P. and Gray, L. (2007). The development of telehealth strategies for geriatric medicine. Medicine, Ageing & Nutrition 2007, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 5-8 September 2007. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Blackwell Science Asia. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01486.x
2006
Conference Publication
The Beef Tastes Like Some Old Cow, and the Chicken Tastes Like Some Old Fowl: How Important is Food Quality to Residents in Longer-Stay Care?
Wright, Olivia, Connelly, Luke and Capra, Sandra (2006). The Beef Tastes Like Some Old Cow, and the Chicken Tastes Like Some Old Fowl: How Important is Food Quality to Residents in Longer-Stay Care?. 24th National Conference of the Dietitians Association of Australia: Food and Beyond: Exploring Fronties in Science and Practice, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, 11th -13th May, 2006. Deakin, A.C.T.: Dietitians Association of Australia. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-0080.2006.00050.x
2006
Journal Article
Consumer evaluation of hospital foodservice quality: an empirical investigation
Wright, O. R. L., Connelly, L. B. and Capra, S. (2006). Consumer evaluation of hospital foodservice quality: an empirical investigation. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 19 (2), 181-194. doi: 10.1108/09526860610651708
2005
Journal Article
The acute hospital foodservice patient satisfaction questionnaire: The development of a valid and rliable tool to measure patient satisfaction with acute care hospital foodservices.
Capra, Sandra, Wright, Olivia, Sardie, Marie, Bauer, Judith and Askew, Deborah (2005). The acute hospital foodservice patient satisfaction questionnaire: The development of a valid and rliable tool to measure patient satisfaction with acute care hospital foodservices.. Foodservice Research International, 16 (1-2), 1-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-4506.2005.00006.x
2005
Conference Publication
A recipe for health care foodservice policy development
Wright, O. (2005). A recipe for health care foodservice policy development. 3rd National Conference for Emerging Researchers on Ageing (ERA 2004), Brisbane, Australia, 2 December 2004. Brisbane, Australia: Australasian Centre on Ageing, The University of Queensland.
2005
Other Outputs
Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care : implications for service delivery for an ageing population
Wright, Olivia Renee Louise (2005). Client preferences for food services in geriatrics, rehabilitation and aged care : implications for service delivery for an ageing population. PhD Thesis, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/158066
2004
Journal Article
Building partnerships for food service research
Wright, O. (2004). Building partnerships for food service research. ACQ-Wire, August, 16-18.
2004
Conference Publication
Patient satisfaction with acute care hospital foodservices: does age matter? , Program Guide, p.87.
Wright, O., Connelly, L. and Capra, S. (2004). Patient satisfaction with acute care hospital foodservices: does age matter? , Program Guide, p.87.. 22nd National Conference of the Dietitians Association, Melbourne , Victoria, 20 – 22 May 2004.
2003
Conference Publication
What's the flavour of the month with foodservice satisfaction questionnaires?
Wright, O., Capra, S. and Aliakbari, J. (2003). What's the flavour of the month with foodservice satisfaction questionnaires?. Dietitians Association of Australia 21st National Conference, Cairns, QLD, May 2003.
2003
Journal Article
A comparison of two measures of hospital foodservice satisfaction
Wright, Olivia, Capra, Sandra and Aliakbari, Judith (2003). A comparison of two measures of hospital foodservice satisfaction. Australian Health Review, 26 (1), 70-75. doi: 10.1071/ah030070
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
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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