Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman
Associate Professor

Kathryn Steadman

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 61886

Background

I completed my Bachelor of Pharmacy at Kings College London, followed by pre-registration and subsequent employment as a pharmacist with Boots the Chemists in Central London. With a PhD in plant biochemistry with Royal Holloway College, University of London, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, I moved first to Cornell University, USA and then The University of Western Australia for postdoctoral research. I moved to the School of Pharmacy at The University of Queensland in 2007.

Following a number of years in plant research, my current research interests generally link back to plants in some way. Many of my projects develop in response to requests for help from healthcare professionals, and so I have a strong focus on answering clinical questions using pharmaceutical science methods. See my research interests for more information.

I teach into the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) in the areas of pharmaceutics, compounding and complementary medicines. I also teach the clinical drug development course for our Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice. I am currently the Director of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience for the School of Pharmacy. I have supervised 28 PhD students to completion, and over 60 undergraduate and masters independent research project students.

Availability

Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice Naturopathy Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences Plant biology

Research interests

  • Non-cigarette sources of nicotine

    • Electronic nicotine delivery devices have potential to reduce tobacco use among smokers. We are interested in the regulation of nicotine vaping devices as medicines in Australia, their safety and their effectiveness as a nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. • Leaves from Australian species of Nicotiana are mixed with wood ash for chewing/sucking as a source of nicotine (commonly called pituri or mingkulpa) by some Australian Aboriginal people. We are interested in pituri use, and chemical components of the pituri plants. • While for most smokers it is the non-nicotine nasties in tobacco smoke that are the primary cause of detrimental health effects of smoking or chewing, the nicotine is also a problem for the babies, children and youth. We are investigating the influence of nicotine from all sources (e.g. vaping, pituri, patches, gums as well as smoking) during pregnancy on weight and health of babies.

  • Medication delivery

    • People who cannot swallow tablets whole often cut or crush them. We apply the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework to assess swallowing safety of oral medicines. We are also investigating the effect of crushing and splitting tablets or capsules on drug delivery and bioavailability, particularly where the crushed tablets are mixed with liquids thickened with plant gums as these have the potential to delay drug dissolution. • Improving the treatment of xerostomia is being approached through considering approaches to saliva replacement, buccal delivery of pilocarpine, and information sources for pharmacies to assist with product selection.

  • Complementary medicines

    Complementary Medicines are a large category of products sold within pharmacies that include herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, vitamins & minerals, homeopathy and aromatherapy. Evidence supporting their efficacy for claimed indications is variable, with some being strong while others are exceptionally weak or non-existent. We are involved in determining the extent and motivations for use, along with clinical trials to test the effectiveness of complementary medicines.

Search Professor Kathryn Steadman’s works on UQ eSpace

199 works between 1991 and 2025
All (199) Journal Article (149) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (49)

161 - 180 of 199 works

2007

Conference Publication

Differences in the Lolium rigidum embryo proteome of seeds with a high (light-insensitive) and low (light-sensitive) level of dormancy

Steadman, K. J. and Millar, A. H. (2007). Differences in the Lolium rigidum embryo proteome of seeds with a high (light-insensitive) and low (light-sensitive) level of dormancy. Eighth International Workshop on Seeds, Brisbane, Australia, May 2005. United Kingdom: Cromwell Press. doi: 10.1079/9781845931971.0225

Differences in the Lolium rigidum embryo proteome of seeds with a high (light-insensitive) and low (light-sensitive) level of dormancy

2007

Journal Article

Seed development in Malva parviflora: Onset of germinability, dormancy and desiccation tolerance

Michael, Pippa J., Steadman, Kathryn J. and Plummer, Julie A. (2007). Seed development in Malva parviflora: Onset of germinability, dormancy and desiccation tolerance. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 47 (6), 683-688. doi: 10.1071/EA06078

Seed development in Malva parviflora: Onset of germinability, dormancy and desiccation tolerance

2007

Conference Publication

The impact of maternal vegetative stress on seed longevity

Kochanek, Jitka, Steadman, Kathryn J., Probert, Robin J. and Adkins, Steve W. (2007). The impact of maternal vegetative stress on seed longevity. 28th ISTA Congress 2007, Iguassu Falls, Brazil, 5-11 May 2007. Bassersdorf, Switzerland: International Seed Testing Association - ISTA.

The impact of maternal vegetative stress on seed longevity

2006

Journal Article

Sheep rumen digestion and transmission of weedy Malva parviflora seeds

Michael, P. J., Steadman, K. J., Plummer, J. A. and Vercoe, P. (2006). Sheep rumen digestion and transmission of weedy Malva parviflora seeds. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 46 (10), 1251-1256. doi: 10.1071/EA05285

Sheep rumen digestion and transmission of weedy Malva parviflora seeds

2006

Conference Publication

Can a lab test predict field persistence of weed seeds?

Long, R. L., Steadman, K. J., Panetta, F. D., Bekker, R. M., Probert, R. and Adkins, S. W. (2006). Can a lab test predict field persistence of weed seeds?. Managing Weeds in a Changing Climate, Adelaide Convention Centre, SA, 24-28 September, 2006. Meredith, Vic, Australia: Weed Management Society of South Australia Inc.

Can a lab test predict field persistence of weed seeds?

2006

Journal Article

Late-season non-selective herbicide application reduces Lolium rigidum seed numbers, seed viability, and seedling fitness

Steadman, Kathryn J., Eaton, Debra M., Plummer, Julie A., Ferris, David G. and Powles, Stephen B. (2006). Late-season non-selective herbicide application reduces Lolium rigidum seed numbers, seed viability, and seedling fitness. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 57 (1), 133-141. doi: 10.1071/AR05122

Late-season non-selective herbicide application reduces Lolium rigidum seed numbers, seed viability, and seedling fitness

2006

Journal Article

Climatic regulation of seed dormancy and emergence of diverse Malva parviflora populations from a Mediterranean-type environment

Michael, P. J., Steadman, K. and Plummer, J. A. (2006). Climatic regulation of seed dormancy and emergence of diverse Malva parviflora populations from a Mediterranean-type environment. Seed Science Research, 16 (4), 273-281. doi: 10.1017/SSR2006254

Climatic regulation of seed dormancy and emergence of diverse Malva parviflora populations from a Mediterranean-type environment

2006

Journal Article

Limited ecoclinal variation found in Malva parviflora (small-flowered mallow) across the Mediterranean-climatic agricultural region of Western Australia

Michael, Pippa J., Steadman, Kathryn J. and Plummer, Julie A. (2006). Limited ecoclinal variation found in Malva parviflora (small-flowered mallow) across the Mediterranean-climatic agricultural region of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 57 (7), 823-830. doi: 10.1071/AR05187

Limited ecoclinal variation found in Malva parviflora (small-flowered mallow) across the Mediterranean-climatic agricultural region of Western Australia

2006

Conference Publication

Predicting weed seed persistence in the soil: hydration cycles enhance seed longevity

Long, Rowena L., Steadman, Kathryn J., Panetta, F. Dane and Adkins, Steve W. (2006). Predicting weed seed persistence in the soil: hydration cycles enhance seed longevity. Managing Weeds in a Changing Climate, Adelaide Convention Centre, SA Australia, 24-28 September 2006. Meredith, VIC Australia: Weed Management Society of South Australia 2006.

Predicting weed seed persistence in the soil: hydration cycles enhance seed longevity

2005

Journal Article

The changing window of conditions that promotes germination of two fire ephemerals, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae) and Tersonia cyathiflora (Gyrostemonaceae)

Baker, K. S., Steadman, K. J., Plummer, J. A., Merritt, D. J. and Dixon, K. W. (2005). The changing window of conditions that promotes germination of two fire ephemerals, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae) and Tersonia cyathiflora (Gyrostemonaceae). Annals of Botany, 96 (7), 1225-1236. doi: 10.1093/aob/mci274

The changing window of conditions that promotes germination of two fire ephemerals, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae) and Tersonia cyathiflora (Gyrostemonaceae)

2005

Journal Article

Ecological fitness of a multiple herbicide resistant Lolium rigidum population: Dynamics of seed germination and seedling emergence of resistant and susceptible

Vila-Auib, M. M., Neve, P., Steadman, K. J. and Powles, S. B. (2005). Ecological fitness of a multiple herbicide resistant Lolium rigidum population: Dynamics of seed germination and seedling emergence of resistant and susceptible. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42 (2), 288-298. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2005.01017.x

Ecological fitness of a multiple herbicide resistant Lolium rigidum population: Dynamics of seed germination and seedling emergence of resistant and susceptible

2005

Conference Publication

Changes in sensitivity to smoke water during burial of a fire ephemeral, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae)

Baker, K. S, Plummer, J. A., Steadman, K. J., Merritt, D. and Dixon, K. (2005). Changes in sensitivity to smoke water during burial of a fire ephemeral, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae). Fifth Australian Workshop of Native Seed Biology for Revegetation, Brisbane, Queensland, 21-23 June 2004. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Centre for Minerals Extension and Research (ACMER).

Changes in sensitivity to smoke water during burial of a fire ephemeral, Actinotus leucocephalus (Apiaceae)

2005

Journal Article

Seed dormancy and germination responses of nine Australian fire ephemerals

Baker, Katherine S., Steadman, Kathryn J., Plummer, Julie A. and Dixon, Kingsley W. (2005). Seed dormancy and germination responses of nine Australian fire ephemerals. Plant and Soil, 277 (1-2), 345-358. doi: 10.1007/s11104-005-7971-9

Seed dormancy and germination responses of nine Australian fire ephemerals

2005

Journal Article

Dormancy release in Australian fire ephemeral seeds during burial increases germination response to smoke water or heat

Baker, KS, Steadman, KJ, Plummer, JA, Merritt, DJ and Dixon, KW (2005). Dormancy release in Australian fire ephemeral seeds during burial increases germination response to smoke water or heat. Seed Science Research, 15 (4), 339-348. doi: 10.1079/SSR2005222

Dormancy release in Australian fire ephemeral seeds during burial increases germination response to smoke water or heat

2005

Conference Publication

Overcoming seed dormancy for improved use of Australian natives in revegetation projects

Hoyle, G. L., Steadman, K. J., Daws, M. and Adkins, S. W. (2005). Overcoming seed dormancy for improved use of Australian natives in revegetation projects. 8th International Workshop on Seeds - Germinating New Ideas, Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, 8-13 May 2005. Brisbane QLD, Australia: International Society of Seed Science.

Overcoming seed dormancy for improved use of Australian natives in revegetation projects

2005

Conference Publication

Predicting seed persistence in soil: Towards rapid and reliable assessment

Long, R. L., Steadman, K.J., Panetta, F. D. and Adkins, S. W. (2005). Predicting seed persistence in soil: Towards rapid and reliable assessment. 8th International Workshop on Seeds - Germinating New Ideas, Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane, Qld., 8-13 May 2005. Brisbane, Qld, Australia: International Society for Seed Science.

Predicting seed persistence in soil: Towards rapid and reliable assessment

2005

Conference Publication

Seed longevity of Queensland native species and the effects of maternal environment

Kochanek, J., Steadman, K. J., Probert, R. J. and Adkins, S. W. (2005). Seed longevity of Queensland native species and the effects of maternal environment. 8th International Workshop on Seeds - Germinating New Ideas, Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane, Qld, 8-13 May, 2005. Brisbane, Qld, Australia: International Society for Seed Science.

Seed longevity of Queensland native species and the effects of maternal environment

2004

Journal Article

Dormancy release during hydrated storage in Lolium rigidum seeds is dependent on temperature, light quality and hydration status

Steadman, Kathryn J. (2004). Dormancy release during hydrated storage in Lolium rigidum seeds is dependent on temperature, light quality and hydration status. Journal of Experimental Botany, 55 (398), 929-937. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erh099

Dormancy release during hydrated storage in Lolium rigidum seeds is dependent on temperature, light quality and hydration status

2004

Journal Article

Germination in Aesculus hippocastanum seeds following cold-induced dormancy loss can be described in relation to temperature-dependent reduction in base temperature (Tb) and themal time

Steadman, K. J. and Pritchard, H. W. (2004). Germination in Aesculus hippocastanum seeds following cold-induced dormancy loss can be described in relation to temperature-dependent reduction in base temperature (Tb) and themal time. New Phytologist, 161 (2), 415-425. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00940.x

Germination in Aesculus hippocastanum seeds following cold-induced dormancy loss can be described in relation to temperature-dependent reduction in base temperature (Tb) and themal time

2004

Journal Article

Maturation temperature and rainfall influence seed dormancy characteristics of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Steadman, Kathryn J., Ellery, Amanda J., Chapman, Ross, Moore, Andrew and Turner, Neil C. (2004). Maturation temperature and rainfall influence seed dormancy characteristics of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum). Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 55 (10), 1047-1057. doi: 10.1071/AR04083

Maturation temperature and rainfall influence seed dormancy characteristics of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2027
    Understanding nicotine metabolism during pregnancy in First Nations peoples
    ARC Discovery Indigenous
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Low Dose Naltrexone in Fibromyalgia: A randomised controlled trial (2023 MSHRSS Co-funded Collaboration Grant led by MSHHS)
    Metro South Research Support Scheme Co-funded Collaboration Grant
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2022
    The impacts of a changing nicotine marketplace on health professionals
    UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Measuring the impact of temperature on out-of-hospital cardiac medications using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
    KJMERF Patron's Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Estimating use of tobacco and nicotine products through wastewater analysis
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    New Product formulation and testing and laboratory and clean room setup (Innovation Connections Business Researcher Placement)
    Heavey Lex No. 74 Pty Ltd as the Trustee for the Jackson Family Trust
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Creating saliva-mimetic polysaccharide-protein complexes to control oral lubrication for applications in oral care, foods and biomedical treatment of dry-mouth
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Baltic amber teething beads - Does succinic acid have any anti-inflammatory activity?
    Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2021
    Pituri Research Project
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Facility for advanced rheological and surface-friction characterisation
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2014
    Extraction and purification of sorghum seed protein for delayed delivery of bioactives (Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grant administered by Curtin University of Technology)
    Curtin University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Using plant proteins in controlled release drug delivery
    Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    What does the title 'BPharm(Hons)' mean to the pharmacy profession?
    Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Analytical instrumentation enabling rapid compound separation and chemical structure analysis via mass fingerprinting
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    The Pituri Project: Investigating the effects of maternal smokeless native tobacco use on perinatal health outcomes in Central Australia
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Australian alpine seed ecology: Plant conservation and adaptation to climate change
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Scoping Study: Self-forming edible films derived from sorghum proteins for fresh food packaging
    QLD Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Sorghum protein in the manufacture of controlled-release delivery systems for bioactives
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Evaluation of sorghum protein in the manufacture of controlled-release delivery systems for bioactives
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Bioflavonoid identification and quantification
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Enhancing native seed performance for minesite restoration and biodiversity conservation
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A holistic healthcare approach to glucose dysregulation and its complications.

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Beyond smoking and mum: Indigenous peri-gestational tobacco and nicotine use, Ngabang (mother), Babun (father), Walbai (baby).

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jared Miles, Dr Qiuda Zheng

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A holistic healthcare approach to glucose dysregulation and its complications.

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Women's health: An assessment of the treatments used for Vaginal Candidiasis by health practitioners in Australia

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A holistic healthcare approach to glucose dysregulation and its complications.

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Beyond smoking and mum: Indigenous peri-gestational tobacco and nicotine use, Ngabang (mother), Babun (father), Walbai (baby).

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jared Miles, Dr Qiuda Zheng

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Safety, Quality and Patient Experiences using Compounding Formulations

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Women's health: An assessment of the treatments used for Vaginal Candidiasis by health practitioners in Australia

    Principal Advisor

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman directly for media enquiries about:

  • Electronic nicotine device
  • Medicinal plants
  • Medicine swallowing difficulties
  • Natural medicine
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Pharmacognosy
  • Pharmacy - natural
  • Phytochemistry
  • Plants for pharmacy

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