
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
2004
Journal Article
Persistent penile frenulum in a nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
Bryant, B., Turner, L., MacCallum, C. and Johnston, S. D. (2004). Persistent penile frenulum in a nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 82 (7), 419-420. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2004.tb11131.x
2004
Journal Article
Relationship between thirty post-thaw spermatozoal characteristics and the field fertility of 11 high-use Australian dairy AI sires
Phillips, N. J., McGowan, M. R., Johnston, S. D. and Mayer, D. G. (2004). Relationship between thirty post-thaw spermatozoal characteristics and the field fertility of 11 high-use Australian dairy AI sires. Animal Reproduction Science, 81 (1-2), 47-61. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2003.10.003
2004
Journal Article
Observations of spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation in the rufous hare wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus (Metatheria, Mammalia)
Johnston, S. D., Daddow, L., Carrick, F. N. and Jamieson, B. (2004). Observations of spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation in the rufous hare wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus (Metatheria, Mammalia). Acta Zoologica, 85 (1), 53-58. doi: 10.1111/j.0001-7272.2004.00157.x
2004
Journal Article
Relationship between thirty post-thaw spermatozoal characteristics and the field fertility of 11 high-use Australian dairy AI sires
Phillips, N. J., Mcgowan, M. R., Johnston, S. D. and Mayer, D. G. (2004). Relationship between thirty post-thaw spermatozoal characteristics and the field fertility of 11 high-use Australian dairy AI sires. Animal Reproduction Science, 80 (1-2), 47-61. doi: 10.1016/S0378-4320(03)00137-4
2004
Journal Article
Field anaesthesia of three Australian species of flying fox
Jonsson, N. N., Johnston, S. D., Field, H., de Jong, C. and Smith, C. (2004). Field anaesthesia of three Australian species of flying fox. Veterinary Record, 154 (21), 664-664. doi: 10.1136/vr.154.21.664
2004
Conference Publication
Can vaginal electrical impedance be used to characterize oestrus and ovulation in the mare?
Larsen, J. E., Norman, S.T. and Johnston, S.D. (2004). Can vaginal electrical impedance be used to characterize oestrus and ovulation in the mare?. Research Conference Proceedings 2004, Gatton, 5th November 2004. Australia:
2003
Journal Article
Evaluation of tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin and streptomycin for decontaminating koala semen contaminated in vitro with chlamydiae
Bodetti, T. J., Hengstberger, K., Johnston, S. and Timms, P. (2003). Evaluation of tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin and streptomycin for decontaminating koala semen contaminated in vitro with chlamydiae. Veterinary Record, 153 (19), 588-591. doi: 10.1136/vr.153.19.588
2003
Conference Publication
Cryopathology of macropod spermatozoa
McClean, R. V. and Johnston, S. D. (2003). Cryopathology of macropod spermatozoa. Society for Reproductive Biology Thirty-fourth Annual Conference, Melbourne, Victora, 14-17 September 2003. Australia: CSIRO.
2003
Journal Article
Birth of Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary following artificial insemination
Johnston, S. D., McGowan, M. R., O'Callaghan, P., Cox, R., Houlden, B., Haig, S. and Taddeo, G. (2003). Birth of Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary following artificial insemination. International Zoo Yearbook, 38 (1), 160-172. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2003.tb02076.x
2003
Conference Publication
Semen-induced luteal phase in the koala
Johnston, S. D., O'Callaghan, P, Nilsson, K, Tzipori, G., Strong, H. and Curlewis, J. D. (2003). Semen-induced luteal phase in the koala. Society for Reproductive Biology Thirty-fourth Annual Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, 14-17 September 2003. Australia: CSIRO.
2003
Journal Article
Cauda epididymal spermatozoa of the rufous hare wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus (Metatheria, Mammalia) imaged by electron and confocal microscopy
Johnston, S. D., Daddow, L., Carrick, F. N., Jamieson, B. and Smith, L. (2003). Cauda epididymal spermatozoa of the rufous hare wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus (Metatheria, Mammalia) imaged by electron and confocal microscopy. Acta Zoologica : morphology and evolution, 84 (2), 139-143. doi: 10.1046/j.1463-6395.2003.00139.x
2003
Conference Publication
Lack of seasonal variation in male reproductive parameters measured in a captive and wild population of common wombats in New South Wales
MacCallum, C. A., Johnston, S. D. and Blyde, D. (2003). Lack of seasonal variation in male reproductive parameters measured in a captive and wild population of common wombats in New South Wales. Society for Reproductive Biology Thirty-fourth Annual Conferen, Melbourne, Victoria, 14-17 September 2003. Australia: CSIRO.
2002
Journal Article
Screening semen from koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) for Chlamydia species by PCR
Bodetti, T. J., Johnston, S., Pospischil, A., Knox, C. and Timms, P. (2002). Screening semen from koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) for Chlamydia species by PCR. Veterinary Record, 151 (5), 147-149.
2002
Journal Article
Birth of a Banteng (Bos javanicus) calf at Western Plains Zoo after fixed time artificial insemination
Johnston, S. D., McGowan, M. R. and Blyde, D. (2002). Birth of a Banteng (Bos javanicus) calf at Western Plains Zoo after fixed time artificial insemination. Australian Veterinary Journal, 80 (1-2), 94-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb12848.x
2002
Conference Publication
A comparative investigation into the osmotic tolerance of wombat and koala spermatozoa
MacCallum, C. A., Johnston, S. D. and Blyde, D. (2002). A comparative investigation into the osmotic tolerance of wombat and koala spermatozoa. Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, 12 January - 15 January. New York: Elsevier Science Inc.
2001
Conference Publication
Successful cryopreservation of common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) spermatozoa recovered from refrigerated epididymidal tissue
MacCallum, C. A., Johnston, S. D., Ward, D. and Blyde, D. (2001). Successful cryopreservation of common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) spermatozoa recovered from refrigerated epididymidal tissue. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska, USA, January 2001. New York: Elsevier Science Inc.
2001
Book Chapter
Germplasm conservation in marsupials
Johnston, S. D. and Holt, W. V. (2001). Germplasm conservation in marsupials. Cryobanking the Genetic Resource. (pp. 201-227) edited by PF Watson and WV Holt. London: Taylor and Francis.
2001
Other Outputs
Relationship between post-thaw sperm characteristics and the corrected conception rate (CCR) of selected high use Australian dairy AI sires
Phillips, N., McGowan, M. R., Johnston, S. D., Mayer, D., Morton, J. and Carrick, M (2001). Relationship between post-thaw sperm characteristics and the corrected conception rate (CCR) of selected high use Australian dairy AI sires. Melbourne: Dairy Research & Development Corp.
2001
Journal Article
Phylogenetic analysis of a novel Coryneform isolated from koala semen and prepuce
Townsend, K., Yates, R., O'Boyle, D., Johnston S. D. and Blackall, L. (2001). Phylogenetic analysis of a novel Coryneform isolated from koala semen and prepuce. Microbiology Australia, 22, 96.
2001
Conference Publication
Post-coital LH surge in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Johnston, S. D., O'Callaghan, P., Nilsson, K. and Curlewis, J. D. (2001). Post-coital LH surge in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Society for Reproductive Biology - 32nd Annual Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, 9th - 12th September, 2001. Victoria: Society for Reproductive Biology.
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
The Development and Application of Assisted Breeding Technology for theConservation of Avian wildlife
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bob Doneley, 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
Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos
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
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
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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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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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
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
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The identification of factors responsible for boar testicular hypertrophy following neonatal hemicastration
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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