
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
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Reproductive Biology of Wildlife
The study of fundamental (anatomy, physiology and behaviour) and applied biology of the reproduction of Australian fauna and exotic mammals
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Assessment of male human fertility
Studies centred around the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation in human reproductive medicine
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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
2009
Journal Article
Frozen-thawed rhinoceros sperm exhibit DNA damage shortly after thawing when assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion assay
Portas, T., Johnston, S.D., Hermes, R., Arroyo, F., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Bryant, B., Hilebrandt, T.B., Goritz, F. and Gosalvez, J. (2009). Frozen-thawed rhinoceros sperm exhibit DNA damage shortly after thawing when assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. Theriogenology, 72 (5), 711-720. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.05.008
2009
Journal Article
Individual variability in post-thaw sperm survival in a captive koala population
Zee, Y. P., Holt, W. V., Nicolson, V., Pyne, M. and Johnston, S. D. (2009). Individual variability in post-thaw sperm survival in a captive koala population. Cryobiology, 59 (1), 69-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.04.010
2009
Journal Article
Evidence that single-stranded DNA breaks are a normal feature of koala sperm chromatin, while double-stranded DNA breaks are indicative of DNA damage
Zee, Y. P., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Arroyo, F., Johnston, S. D., Holt, W. V. and Gosalvez, J. (2009). Evidence that single-stranded DNA breaks are a normal feature of koala sperm chromatin, while double-stranded DNA breaks are indicative of DNA damage. Reproduction, 138 (2), 267-278. doi: 10.1530/REP-09-0021
2009
Journal Article
Reproductive physiology of the female greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis Thylacomyidae): Evidence for a male-induced luteal phase
Ballantyne, K., Matson, P., Noakes, N., Nicolson, V. and Johnston, S. D. (2009). Reproductive physiology of the female greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis Thylacomyidae): Evidence for a male-induced luteal phase. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 21 (2), 274-282. doi: 10.1071/RD08134
2009
Journal Article
Directional mapping of DNA nicking in ejaculated and cauda epididymidal spermatozoa of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus: Monotremata)
Johnston, S. D., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Gosalbez, A., Holt, W. V. and Gosalvez, J. (2009). Directional mapping of DNA nicking in ejaculated and cauda epididymidal spermatozoa of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus: Monotremata). Reproduction Fertility and Development, 21 (8), 1008-1014. doi: 10.1071/RD09079
2009
Conference Publication
Using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure body composition in the short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Leehong, P., Ward, L.C., Bryden, W.L., Li, X., Al Jassim, R., Murray, P. and Johnston, S.D. (2009). Using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure body composition in the short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Nutrition Society of Australia 2009, Newcastle, Australia, 8-11 Dec, 2009.
2009
Conference Publication
Future proofing Australia's mammalian biodiversity using genome resource banking and art: where are we up to?
Johnston, S. D., Gosalvez, J. and Holt, W. V. (2009). Future proofing Australia's mammalian biodiversity using genome resource banking and art: where are we up to?. 42nd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Pittsburgh, PA United States, 18-22 July 2009. Collingwood, VIC Australia: CSIRO. doi: 10.1071/SRB09ABS046
2009
Journal Article
Artificial insemination in marsupials
Rodger, John C., Paris, Damien B.B.P., Czarny, Natasha A., Harris, Merrilee S., Molinia, Frank C., Taggart, David A., Allen, Camryn D. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2009). Artificial insemination in marsupials. Theriogenology, 71 (1), 176-189. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.006
2009
Book Chapter
Mapping alkali-labile sites in mammalian spermatozoa
Cortés-Gutiérrez, E. I., Dávila-Rodríguez, M. I., Fernández, J. L., Gosálvez, J., Johnston, S. D. and López-Fernández, C. (2009). Mapping alkali-labile sites in mammalian spermatozoa. Animal reproduction : New research developments. (pp. 219-231) edited by Lucas T. Dahnof. New York , NY, U.S.A.: Nova Publishers.
2009
Conference Publication
Sperm Subpopulations in the Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus) Ejaculate
Satake, N., Johnston, S. D. and Holt, W. V. (2009). Sperm Subpopulations in the Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus) Ejaculate. COLLINGWOOD: CSIRO PUBLISHING. doi: 10.1071/RDv21n1Ab231
2009
Conference Publication
Artificial insemination in marsupials
Rodger, John C., Paris, Damien B.B.P., Czarny, Natasha A., Harris, Merrilee S., Molinia, Frank C., Taggart, David A., Allen, Camryn D. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2009). Artificial insemination in marsupials. 35th Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society : Post-conference Satellite Symposium: "Implementation of Artificial Insemination in CANDES”, San Diego, California, USA, 7 January 2009. New York, N.Y., United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.006
2008
Journal Article
The effect of cryoprotectant on kangaroo sperm ultrastructure and mitochondrial function
McClean, Rhett, Holt, William V., Zee, Yeng Peng, Lisle, Allan and Johnston, Stephen D. (2008). The effect of cryoprotectant on kangaroo sperm ultrastructure and mitochondrial function. Cryobiology, 57 (3), 297-303. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2008.08.006
2008
Journal Article
Cryopreservation of kangaroo spermatozoa using alternative approaches that reduce cycotoxic exposure to glycerol
McClean, Rhett, Zee, Yeng Peng, Holt, William V. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2008). Cryopreservation of kangaroo spermatozoa using alternative approaches that reduce cycotoxic exposure to glycerol. Cryobiology, 57 (3), 304-307. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2008.08.007
2008
Journal Article
Dimethylacetamide can be used as an alternative to glycerol for the successful cryopreservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa
Zee, Yeng Peng, Holt, William V., Gosalvez, Jaime, Allen, Camryn D., Nicolson, Vere, Pyne, Michael, Burridge, Michelle, Carrick, Frank N. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2008). Dimethylacetamide can be used as an alternative to glycerol for the successful cryopreservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 20 (6), 724-733. doi: 10.1071/RD08036
2008
Journal Article
The development of a testosterone stimulation test in the virginia opossum (Dedelphis virginiana) and its use in evaluating deslorelin contraception
Johnston, S. D., Camacho, F. C., Carillo, L., Guy, N., Govea, J., Martinez, O., Paras, A., Lisle, A. T. and D'Occhio, M. (2008). The development of a testosterone stimulation test in the virginia opossum (Dedelphis virginiana) and its use in evaluating deslorelin contraception. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 20 (5), 563-569. doi: 10.1071/RD07215
2008
Journal Article
Collection of semen by manual stimulation and ejaculate characteristics of the Black Flying-Fox (Pteropus alecto)
Debbie F. Melville, Elizabeth G. Crichton, Trish Paterson-Wimberley and Johnston, Stephen D. (2008). Collection of semen by manual stimulation and ejaculate characteristics of the Black Flying-Fox (Pteropus alecto). Zoo Biology, 27 (2), 159-164. doi: 10.1002/zoo.20169
2008
Journal Article
Control of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) anterior pituitary-godadal axis with analogues of GnRH
Allen, Camryn D., Burridge, Michelle, Chafer, Mandy L., Nicolson, Vere N., Jago, Sophia C., Booth, Rosemary L., Fraser, Grant, Ensabella, Traza-Jade, Zee, Yeng Peng, Lundie-Jenkins, Geoff, Holt, William V., Lisle, Allan T., Carrick, Frank N., Curlewis, Jonathan D., D'Occhio, Michael J. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2008). Control of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) anterior pituitary-godadal axis with analogues of GnRH. Reproduction Fertility And Development, 20 (5), 598-605. doi: 10.1071/RD07214
2008
Journal Article
Successful artificial insemination in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) using extended and extended-chilled semen collected by electroejaculation
Allen, C. D., Burridge, M., Mulhall, S., Chafer, M. L., Nicolson, V. N., Pyne, M., Zee, Y. P., Jago, S. C., Lundie-Jenkins, G., Holt, W. V., Carrick, F. N., Curlewis, J. D., Lisle, A. T. and Johnston, S. D. (2008). Successful artificial insemination in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) using extended and extended-chilled semen collected by electroejaculation. Biology of Reproduction, 78 (4), 661-666. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.064824
2008
Conference Publication
Incorporating spatial data into analysis of koala populations in South-East Queensland
Seddon, J., Lee, K., Ellis, W., Johnston, S., De Villiers, D., Preece, H. and Carrick, F. (2008). Incorporating spatial data into analysis of koala populations in South-East Queensland. Annual Meeting of the Society of Molecular Biology and Evolution 2008, Barcelona, Spain, 5-8 June, 2008. Society of Molecular Biology and Evolution.
2008
Conference Publication
Successful production of Koala pouch young following AI using electroejaculated and extended-chilled semen
Johnston, S. D., Allen, C, Burridge, M, Mulhall, S, Holt, W, Carrick, F., Lundie-Jenkins, G and Curlewis, J. (2008). Successful production of Koala pouch young following AI using electroejaculated and extended-chilled semen. 16th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Budapest, Hungary, 13-17 July 2008. Berlin, Germany: Blackwell Wissenschafts Verlag. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01234.x
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Steve Johnston is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Monotreme and Marsupial Accessory Glands
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel strategies for marsupial genetic preservation and in vitro embryo production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini
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Doctor Philosophy
Hatching out the secrets of female monotreme reproductive biology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini
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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
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
New insights into the reproductive physiology of female short-beaked echidnas
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of Chlamydia on male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) fertility
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of heat stress on testicular thermoregulation in the bovine
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The establishment of a Living Genome Resource Bank utilising genetic analysis and assisted breeding technology: a case study on the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Spermatogenesis and Sperm Assessment in the Black Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The use of urine as a tool to analyse the reproductive function of captive female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Principal Advisor
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2018
Master Philosophy
The assessment of reproductive function, behaviour and adrenal physiology in captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
New insights into the Reproductive Physiology and Management of the Female Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Factors affecting the control of the oestrous cycle
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Stephen Anderson
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Novel Reproductive Biology of Flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.): Implications for the Development of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Principal Advisor
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2012
Master Philosophy
Chlamydial Disease of the Male Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Reproductive Tract
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Refinement of Artificial Insemination Program in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) with an Emphasis on Male Factor Fertility
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Functional Approaches to the Development of Koala Sperm Cryopreservation Techniques
Principal Advisor
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2005
Master Philosophy
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MALE AND FEMALE COMMON WOMBAT, Vombatus ursinus: STUDIES TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICAL INSEMINATION PROTOCAL
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the koala retrovirus epidemic: genetic diversity, transmission and immunogenicity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Keith Chappell
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Further insights into the pathogenesis of Chlamydiosis and characterisation of immune cells in the reproductive tract of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The physiological and behavioural adaptations in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in response to climate change
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bill Ellis
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MALE AUSTRALIAN PARROT An emphasis on the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
The behavioural biology and management of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity
Associate Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The behaviour and reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Associate Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The identification of factors responsible for boar testicular hypertrophy following neonatal hemicastration
Associate Advisor
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2008
Master Philosophy
Longitudinal Changes in Testosterone Secretion and Agressive Behaviour and the Use of a GnRH Agonist in Male Australian Sea Lions, Neophoca Cinerea
Associate Advisor
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
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