During her studies, Olivia conducted research into a range of materials for both wound healing and biocompatibility applications. As a research project for her Master’s degree, Olivia investigated the suitability of novel polyurethanes for platelet storage, which involved both polymer fabrication as well as haemocompatibility testing techniques.

Olivia’s Honours research involved characterising the piezoelectric properties of biological materials. This involved the use of biomedical instrumentation and signal processing techniques in conjunction with conventional materials testing methods. Additional areas of specialisation studied as part of her undergraduate degree include primary and secondary processing of metals, the design and processing of advanced ceramics, and fracture mechanics.