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Associate Professor Steve Johnston
Associate Professor

Steve Johnston

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 54601 076

Overview

Background

A/Prof Stephen Johnston is a Reader in Reproduction (40% Teaching; 40% Research and 20% Service) in the School of Environment at the University of Queensland, where he teaches animal reproduction and captive husbandry to Bachelor of Wildlife Science and Science undergraduate and postgraduate students. He is current program coordinator for the Bachelor of Wildlife Science Program. He is also a research affiliate in the School of Veterinary Science. Stephen was trained as a zoologist and specialises in the area of reproductive biology in a broad diversity of species ranging from prawns to tigers but with a major focus on Australian mammals. A/Prof Johnston has published 300 scientific works in basic and applied science disciplines including reproductive anatomy, physiology and behaviour. He was the first person in the world to produce a pouch young following artificial insemination in a marsupial, a task that he and his colleagues have now carried out successfully in the koala, a total of 34 times. Stephen is also a specialist in the cryopreservation of marsupial spermatozoa and in the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation, including human and domestic animal spermatozoa. A/Prof Johnston’s recent research interests and grant success include studies aimed at a better understanding of the effect of chlamydia on male koala reproduction, heat stress in koalas, sociobiology of koalas, genetic and reproductive management of koalas, wombat captive reproduction, echidna captive breeding, crocodile artificial insemination and prawn aquaculture. He is a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology (2019)

Availability

Associate Professor Steve Johnston is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Reproductive Biology of Wildlife

    The study of fundamental (anatomy, physiology and behaviour) and applied biology of the reproduction of Australian fauna and exotic mammals

  • Assessment of male human fertility

    Studies centred around the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation in human reproductive medicine

  • Cryopreservation of spermatozoa

    A study of the cryopreservation of spermatozoa of vertebrate species

Research impacts

For 25 years, A/Prof Johnston has been the leader in the development of assisted breeding technology in Australian native fauna, with a strong interest in marsupial reproduction. His successful koala artificial breeding technology has been incorporated into State Government Conservation Policy and Legislation. The koala assisted breeding technology, which he developed, is also currently been used by the Queensland Zoo industry for genetic exchange and there are plans to use the technology for the overseas export of koala sperm to Japan and the United States. This work has also received recent acknowledgement n the Koala Expert Panel Final Report to the Queensland Government (2018). He provides expert advice and consultancy to the (1) Zoo Industry - Dreamworld, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Taronga Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Rockhampton Zoo, Perth Zoo, Australian Animals Care and Education, Sea World, Paradise Country, San Diego Zoo, Australian Japan Wildlife Education Conservation Foundation, Japanese Zoo Industry (2) Production Animal Industry - Koorana Crocodile Farm, Ag Force – teacher education programs, Prawn and Aquaculture (DAFFI and CSIRO). He is a regular media commentator on wildlife related issues for TV and radio and has been involved with numerous documentaries on marsupial and monotreme reproduction including “Koala Miracle” by Lyndal Davies (1998) from Rock Wallaby Productions, (which featured his work on the successful artificial insemination of the koala) “Miracle babies” produced by National Geographic Channel (2012) - http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/koala-dating-game1/ and morerecently, a new documentary “Born in the Wild” produced by Charlotte Hunt-Grubble from Windfall Films on my koala and echidna reproductive research.

Works

Search Professor Steve Johnston’s works on UQ eSpace

307 works between 1992 and 2025

21 - 40 of 307 works

2023

Journal Article

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) prostate: a comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical investigation

Campbell, Yolande, Palmieri, Chiara, Pagliarani, Sara, Gordon, Jo and Johnston, Stephen (2023). The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) prostate: a comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical investigation. Biology of Reproduction, 109 (5), 644-653. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioad098

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) prostate: a comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical investigation

2023

Journal Article

Getting out of a mammalian egg: the egg tooth and caruncle of the echidna

Fenelon, Jane C., Bennetts, Abbie, Anthwal, Neal, Pyne, Michael, Johnston, Stephen D., Evans, Alistair R., Tucker, Abigail S. and Renfree, Marilyn B. (2023). Getting out of a mammalian egg: the egg tooth and caruncle of the echidna. Developmental Biology, 495, 8-18. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.12.005

Getting out of a mammalian egg: the egg tooth and caruncle of the echidna

2023

Journal Article

Intra-individual variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in the Human ejaculate

González-Martínez, Mercedes, López-Fernández, Carmen, Sánchez-Martín, Pascual, Johnston, Stephen D. and Gosálvez, Jaime (2023). Intra-individual variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in the Human ejaculate. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 69 (3), 215-222. doi: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2175738

Intra-individual variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in the Human ejaculate

2023

Journal Article

Bacterial DNase activity as a putative inductor of sperm DNA fragmentation in infected bull frozen-thawed semen samples

Gosálvez, Jaime, Bartolomé-Nebreda, Javier, Tvrdá, Eva, López-Fernández, Carmen, Fernández, José Luís and Johnston, Stephen (2023). Bacterial DNase activity as a putative inductor of sperm DNA fragmentation in infected bull frozen-thawed semen samples. Theriogenology, 197, 224-231. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.011

Bacterial DNase activity as a putative inductor of sperm DNA fragmentation in infected bull frozen-thawed semen samples

2023

Journal Article

The efficacy of novel centrifugation-free sperm selection (IO-Lix) on sperm parameters and ICSI reproductive outcomes

Cabello, Yolanda, Belchín, Pedro, González-Martínez, Mercedes, López-Fernández, Carmen, Johnston, Stephen and Gosálvez, Jaime (2023). The efficacy of novel centrifugation-free sperm selection (IO-Lix) on sperm parameters and ICSI reproductive outcomes. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 46 (2), 267-273. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.11.002

The efficacy of novel centrifugation-free sperm selection (IO-Lix) on sperm parameters and ICSI reproductive outcomes

2023

Journal Article

Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Dutton-Regester, Kate J., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Russell, Freya A., Pyne, Michael, Renfree, Marilyn B., Johnston, Stephen D. and Keeley, Tamara (2023). Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 330 114142, 114142. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114142

Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

2022

Journal Article

Validation of a Non-Invasive Assessment Technique for Quantifying Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Russell, Freya A., Johnston, Stephen D., Hill, Andrew, Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Fenelon, Jane C., Renfree, Marilyn B. and Keeley, Tamara (2022). Validation of a Non-Invasive Assessment Technique for Quantifying Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 327 114092, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114092

Validation of a Non-Invasive Assessment Technique for Quantifying Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

2022

Journal Article

Diversity and transmission of koala retrovirus: a case study in three captive koala populations

Joyce, Briony A., Blyton, Michaela D. J., Johnston, Stephen D., Meikle, William D., Vinette Herrin, Kimberly, Madden, Claire, Young, Paul R. and Chappell, Keith J. (2022). Diversity and transmission of koala retrovirus: a case study in three captive koala populations. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) 15787, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-18939-6

Diversity and transmission of koala retrovirus: a case study in three captive koala populations

2022

Journal Article

Optimizing captive short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fecal sample identification and hormonal analysis

Dutton‐Regester, Kate J., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Renfree, Marilyn B., Johnston, Stephen D. and Keeley, Tamara (2022). Optimizing captive short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fecal sample identification and hormonal analysis. Zoo Biology, 42 (2), 322-327. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21732

Optimizing captive short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fecal sample identification and hormonal analysis

2022

Journal Article

Chlamydiosis and cystic dilatation of the ovarian bursa in the female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Novel insights into the pathogenesis and mechanisms of formation

Pagliarani, Sara, Johnston, Stephen D., Beagley, Kenneth W., Hulse, Lyndal and Palmieri, Chiara (2022). Chlamydiosis and cystic dilatation of the ovarian bursa in the female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Novel insights into the pathogenesis and mechanisms of formation. Theriogenology, 189, 280-289. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.022

Chlamydiosis and cystic dilatation of the ovarian bursa in the female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Novel insights into the pathogenesis and mechanisms of formation

2022

Journal Article

Suckling behaviour of beef calves during the first five days postpartum

Hogan, Lindsay A., McGowan, Michael R., Johnston, Stephen D., Lisle, Allan T. and Schooley, Kylie (2022). Suckling behaviour of beef calves during the first five days postpartum. Ruminants, 2 (3), 321-340. doi: 10.3390/ruminants2030022

Suckling behaviour of beef calves during the first five days postpartum

2022

Journal Article

Sperm dna damage in men with spinal cord injury: the relative incidence of single‐ and double‐strand dna breaks

Gosálvez, Jaime, Vargas‐Baquero, Eduardo, López‐Fernández, Carmen, Bartolomé‐Nebreda, Javier, Fernández, José Luís and Johnston, Stephen (2022). Sperm dna damage in men with spinal cord injury: the relative incidence of single‐ and double‐strand dna breaks. Andrology, 10 (7), 1292-1301. doi: 10.1111/andr.13210

Sperm dna damage in men with spinal cord injury: the relative incidence of single‐ and double‐strand dna breaks

2022

Journal Article

Correction to: genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Keating, Shannon E., Fenelon, Jane C., Pyne, Michael, Pinto, Brendan J., Guzmán-Méndez, Irán Andira, Johnston, Stephen D., Renfree, Marilyn B. and Gamble, Tony (2022). Correction to: genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Conservation Genetics Resources, 14 (3), 279-279. doi: 10.1007/s12686-022-01277-0

Correction to: genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

2022

Journal Article

Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Keating, Shannon E., Fenelon, Jane C., Pyne, Michael, Pinto, Brendan J., Guzmán-Méndez, Irán Andira, Johnston, Stephen D., Renfree, Marilyn B. and Gamble, Tony (2022). Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Conservation Genetics Resources, 14 (3), 271-278. doi: 10.1007/s12686-022-01258-3

Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

2022

Journal Article

Modelling genetic benefits and financial costs of integrating biobanking into the captive management of koalas

Howell, Lachlan G., Johnston, Stephen D., O’Brien, Justine K., Frankham, Richard, Rodger, John C., Ryan, Shelby A., Beranek, Chad T., Clulow, John, Hudson, Donald S. and Witt, Ryan R. (2022). Modelling genetic benefits and financial costs of integrating biobanking into the captive management of koalas. Animals, 12 (8) 990, 990. doi: 10.3390/ani12080990

Modelling genetic benefits and financial costs of integrating biobanking into the captive management of koalas

2022

Journal Article

Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Hulse, Lyndal, Palmieri, Chiara, Beagley, Kenneth W., Larkin, Rebecca, Keeley, Tamara, Gosalvez, Jaime and Johnston, Stephen D. (2022). Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Theriogenology, 180, 30-39. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.011

Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

2022

Journal Article

Antibiotic toxicity on human spermatozoa assessed using the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamic assay

Tímermans, Ana, Vázquez, Rosana, Otero, Fátima, Gosálvez, Jaime, Johnston, Stephen and Fernández, José Luis (2022). Antibiotic toxicity on human spermatozoa assessed using the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamic assay. Andrologia, 54 (2) e14328, e14328. doi: 10.1111/and.14328

Antibiotic toxicity on human spermatozoa assessed using the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamic assay

2022

Journal Article

Temporal effect of feeding on the body temperature and behaviour of captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Adam, D., Johnston, S. D., Beard, L., Nicolson, V., Lisle, A. T., Gaughan, J. B., Larkin, R., Theilemann, P. and Ellis, W. (2022). Temporal effect of feeding on the body temperature and behaviour of captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Mammalogy, 44 (1), 16-23. doi: 10.1071/AM20024

Temporal effect of feeding on the body temperature and behaviour of captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

2022

Journal Article

In vitro transmission of Chlamydia using naturally infected koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen

Hulse, Lyndal, Beagley, Kenneth W., Larkin, Rebecca and Johnston, Stephen D. (2022). In vitro transmission of Chlamydia using naturally infected koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 34 (3), 378-384. doi: 10.1071/rd21233

In vitro transmission of Chlamydia using naturally infected koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen

2022

Journal Article

Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Dutton-Regester, Kate J., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Renfree, Marilyn B., Phillips, Clive and Johnston, Stephen D. (2022). Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 34 (14), 920-932. doi: 10.1071/rd22092

Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2029
    Koala Health and Rehabilitation Collaborative for research to advance koala reproductive health and promote species survival
    Koala Health and Rehabilitation Collaborative
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    UQ Koala Research Fellowship
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Do environmental stressors increase retrovirus activity and exacerbate disease in koalas?
    New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    The Power of Koala Poo
    Celestino Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Identification of key players for the outcome of Chlamydia infection in female koalas
    Dreamworld
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Automated immunohistochemical analysis module for the expansion of research and clinical diagnostic capabilities at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019
    The immune response to Chlamydia pecorum infection in the reproductive tract of female koalas
    Annandale Bequest
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Koala retrovirus epidemic: genetic diversity, genome invasion and disease
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Breeding echidnas in captivity (ARC Linkage Project administered by The University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Chlamydia infiection in the ovary: effects on fertility in female koalas
    Annandale Bequest
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    A Living Koala Genome Bank
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Computer Modelling of the anatomy of the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus kreftii): A New Dimension in Knowledge, Understanding and Awareness
    The Wombat Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Establishment of a core facility in reproductive technology including cell micromanipulation and stem cells to improve research capacity and benefit animal health at the Gatton campus
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    Behavioural and physiological adaptations to heat in the koala
    Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Pathways of pathogen transmission in the koala
    Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    The pathology, incidence, treatment and management of Chlamydiosis in the male koala.
    Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2020
    Genetic Capture Technology in the Conservation of the Koala in South-East Queensland
    Dreamworld
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Development of assisted breeding techniques in the crocodile industry
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Artificial insemination of the southern hairy-nosed wombat
    The Wombat Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Gamete recovery from diseased koalas
    San Diego Zoo
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Gamete recovery from diseased koalas
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Use of the GnRH antagonist AZALINE B to control koala anterior pituitary function and oestrus synchronisation
    Dreamworld
    Open grant
  • 2010
    UQ Travel Awards #2 - Stephen Johnston
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Deltavision Core deconvolution microscope
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Australian Wildlife on the Web: a web resource supporting undergraduate animal behavioural studies students
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Reproductive biology of the greater bilby Macrotis lagotis - Dreamworld
    Dreamworld
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    The Captive Management of Southern Hairy Nosed Wombats at Rockhampton Zoo
    The Wombat Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    The University of Queensland Echidna Study Program: A world class facility for collaborative echidna research
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Reproductive Biology and Contraception in the Australian White Ibis Research Program 2005 - 2008
    Brisbane City Council
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    The Preservation And Management Of Koala Genetic Diversity Using Reproductive Biotechnology And Molecular Genetics: A Model For Endangered Australian Marsupials
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Reproductive technology for the aviculture industry: A model for breeding endangered parrots
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    A model for the development of ex situ conservation of Papua New Guinea's critically endangered long-beaked echidna
    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Reproductive Endocrinology of the Koala: Evidence for a Unique Pattern of Marsupial Reproduction.
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Investigating improved methods for the cryopreservation of marsupial spermatozoa: establishing a research programme
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Steve Johnston is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Monotreme and Marsupial Accessory Glands

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Development and Application of Assisted Breeding Technology for theConservation of Avian wildlife

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Bob Doneley, Dr Taylor Pini

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Novel strategies for marsupial genetic preservation and in vitro embryo production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hatching out the secrets of female monotreme reproductive biology

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Steve Johnston directly for media enquiries about:

  • Animal reproduction
  • Bilbies
  • Breeding technologies - for animals
  • Captive breeding programs
  • Crocodile reproduction
  • Cryopreservation - animal genetics
  • Embryo transfer - animals
  • Exotic animals - reproductive biology
  • IVF - for animals
  • Kangaroos
  • Koalas
  • Koalas - reproductive biology
  • Reproduction in animals
  • Rhinos
  • Spermatology - animal studies
  • Wildlife reproductive biology
  • Wombats
  • Zoo captive breeding

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au