The Dragon is incredibly proud of ODs continuing to reach for the sun and who, in doing so, have become hugely successful in a wide range of fields. From making a piece of history like Francesca Wilcox (OD 2013) to developing life-saving apps like Michael Dent (OD 2002), capturing snow leopards on camera like Dan O’Neil (OD 2005) to playing for England like Maia Bouchier (OD 2012) … Read on for the next feature in our Diversity of Dragons series, where the Dragon hears from Olivia Lakhina neé Righton (OD 2005), Doctoral Researcher in Women’s Health and Nutrition.
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As one of the children in Lynams’ first nursery cohort, I was fortunate to begin my education in a place that nurtured curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Although I was a very shy child, the Dragon helped me find my voice, teaching me to speak up and embrace challenges — a skill that has served me well throughout my career to date.
My interest in human behaviour and health led me to study Psychology at university, followed by a Master’s in Human Nutrition at the University of Sheffield. During this time, I developed a strong passion for the intersection of nutritional science, female reproductive health, and child health outcomes. When I was offered a PhD in Nutrition at Sheffield following my Master’s, it seemed like the natural next step. However, despite my academic aspirations, the project didn’t align with my long-term goal of specialising in women’s and children’s health. Recognising the considerable commitment that a PhD demands, I chose instead to move to London, gain work experience, and explore alternative doctoral opportunities.
It was here that I took an unexpected yet ultimately valuable detour into hospitality management. But, after a few years, I reached a crossroads: should I continue advancing in hospitality or return to my true passion — improving women’s and children’s health through evidence-based nutrition? The more I reflected, the clearer the answer became. With the encouragement of my husband, who had seen firsthand how much I longed to make a meaningful impact in this field, I decided to take a leap of faith back into academia. I pursued a second Master’s in Women and Children’s Health at King’s College London and received an academic award for my dissertation examining the status of preconception health in the UK.
Transitioning from a full-time job back to studying was challenging. But, being surrounded by leading experts at the forefront of research inspired me and affirmed that I was on the right path. For income during this time, I worked as a Reformer Pilates instructor in the early mornings. This helped manage my expenses and provided routine and balance amid the intensity of coursework and exams. Teaching Pilates also kept me physically active and offered a hands-on connection to health and wellness, complementing my academic interests. Even now, I enjoy teaching classes a few times a week.
After completing my Master’s, I was honoured to receive a funded PhD offer at King’s College London — this time in exactly the field I aspired to pursue. Now, as a Doctoral Researcher in Nutritional Sciences, I specialise in preconception and pregnancy. My current research focuses on leading a clinical trial within the NHS to investigate a dietary intervention for improving blood sugar management in women with gestational diabetes. Every day, I feel grateful to be contributing to work that has the potential to create meaningful and lasting improvements in people’s lives.
Looking back, I can see how the foundations laid at the Dragon set me on this path. The confidence to ask questions, the courage to step outside my comfort zone, and the resilience to push forward — these lessons have been invaluable. To those at the Dragon today, I would say: embrace every opportunity, stay curious, and don’t stress in the future if your career path isn’t a straight line — sometimes, the scenic route teaches you the best lessons!
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Let us know what you’ve been up to since your Dragon Days, we’d love to share your story.
