
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
2001
Conference Publication
Development of an artificial insemination prorocol in the koala (Phascolarctos cinerus)
Johnston, S. D., O'Callaghan, P. O. and McGowan, M. (2001). Development of an artificial insemination prorocol in the koala (Phascolarctos cinerus). Zoo & Exotic Diagnostics: British Veterinary Zoological Society Autumn Meeting, Royal Veterinary College, Potters Bar, 10-11 November, 2001.
2001
Conference Publication
Assisted breeding technology in the Marsupialia: Using the koala as a reproductive model.
Johnston, S. D. and Holt, W. V. (2001). Assisted breeding technology in the Marsupialia: Using the koala as a reproductive model.. Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Assisted Reproductive Technology for the Conservation and Genetic Management of Wildlife, Henry Dooly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska, 17-18 January 2001. Omaha, Nebraska, USA: Henry Doorly Zoo.
2000
Journal Article
Laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)
Johnston, S. D., Blyde, D., Pedrana, R. and Gibbs, A. (2000). Laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). Australian Veterinary Journal, 78 (10), 714-716. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2000.tb10414.x
2000
Journal Article
Natural and artificial methods for inducing the luteal phase in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Johnston, S. D., Mcgowan, M. R., O'Callaghan, P., Cox, R. and Nicholson, V. (2000). Natural and artificial methods for inducing the luteal phase in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 120 (1), 59-64. doi: 10.1530/reprod/120.1.59
2000
Journal Article
Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Johnston, S. D., Mcgowan, M. R., O'Callaghan, P., Cox, R. and Nicholson, V. (2000). Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 120 (1), 49-57. doi: 10.1530/reprod/120.1.49
2000
Journal Article
Optimal physiochemcial conditions for the manipulation and short-term preservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa
Johnston, S. D., Mcgowan, M. R., Phillips, N. and O'Callaghan, P. (2000). Optimal physiochemcial conditions for the manipulation and short-term preservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 118 (2), 273-281. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.1180273
2000
Conference Publication
The relationship between conception rate and measures of frozen-thawed sperm viability for eleven high-use Australian A.I. dairy bulls
Phillips, N., Mcgowan, M. R., Morton, J., Mayer, D. G., Johnston, S. D. and Rodrig, H. (2000). The relationship between conception rate and measures of frozen-thawed sperm viability for eleven high-use Australian A.I. dairy bulls. International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Stockholm, Sweden, 2nd - 6th July, 2000. Stockholm, Sweden: Repro Print AB.
1999
Conference Publication
Birth of koala pouch young following artificial insemination
Johnston, S. D., McGowan, M. R., O'Callaghan, P., Cox, R., Houlden, B., Haig, S. and Taddeo, G. (1999). Birth of koala pouch young following artificial insemination. Australian Society of Reproductive Biologists, Melbourne, -.
1999
Conference Publication
Assisted breeding technology for the conservation and propagation of Phascolarctos cinereus or How to make a koala pouch young
Johnston, S.D., McGowan, M.R. and O'Callaghan, P. (1999). Assisted breeding technology for the conservation and propagation of Phascolarctos cinereus or How to make a koala pouch young. Postgraduate Committee in Veterinary Science, Sydney, University of Sydney, 1999.
1999
Journal Article
Cryopreservation of macropodid spermatozoa: New insights from the cryomicroscope
Holt, W. V., Penfold, L. M., Johnston, S. D., Temple-Smith, P., Shaw, J., McCallum, C., Lindemans, W. and Blyde, D. (1999). Cryopreservation of macropodid spermatozoa: New insights from the cryomicroscope. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 11 (6), 345-353. doi: 10.1071/RD99076
1999
Conference Publication
Enhanced osmotic tolerance of Koala spermatozoa following treatment with the cytoskeletal disrupting agent, cytochalasin D
Holt, W.V. and Johnston, S.D. (1999). Enhanced osmotic tolerance of Koala spermatozoa following treatment with the cytoskeletal disrupting agent, cytochalasin D. 30th Anual Conference of Australian Society for Reproductive Biology, Melbourne, Vic, Australia, 26-29 September, 1999. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Australian Society for Reproductive Biology.
1998
Other Outputs
Studies towards the development of an artificial insemination protocol in the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus
Johnston, Stephen Douglas (1998). Studies towards the development of an artificial insemination protocol in the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus. PhD Thesis, School of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2017.511
1998
Journal Article
Antibiotics for the preservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen
Johnston, S. D., O'Boyle, D., Frost, A. J., McGowan, M. R., Tribe, A. and Higgins, D. (1998). Antibiotics for the preservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen. Australian Veterinary Journal, 76 (5), 335-338. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1998.tb12362.x
1997
Journal Article
Collection and short-term preservation of semen from free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus: Macropodidae)
Johnston, S. D., Blyde, D., Gamble, J., Higgins, D., Field, H. and Cooper, J. (1997). Collection and short-term preservation of semen from free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus: Macropodidae). Australian Veterinary Journal, 75 (9), 648-651. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1997.tb15362.x
1997
Journal Article
Characteristics of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus) semen collected by artificial vagina
Johnston, S. D., O'Callaghan, P., McGowan, M. R. and Phillips, N. J. (1997). Characteristics of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus) semen collected by artificial vagina. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 109 (2), 319-323. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.1090319
1997
Conference Publication
Evidence for reflex ovulation in the koala
Johnston, S.D., McGowan, M.R., O'Callaghan, P., Cox, R. and Nicolson, V. (1997). Evidence for reflex ovulation in the koala. 28th Annual Conference Australian Society of Reproductive Biology, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 29 September - 1 October, 1997.
1996
Conference Publication
Effect of glycerol and egg yolk on the motility of Macropus giganteus cauda epididymidal spermatozoa stored at 5oC
Cooper, J.W., Johnston, S.D., Blyde, D., Kuiper, Y., McGowan, M.R. and Booth, R. (1996). Effect of glycerol and egg yolk on the motility of Macropus giganteus cauda epididymidal spermatozoa stored at 5oC. Thirteenth International Conference of Animal Reproduction, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia, 26-28 June, 1996.
1996
Conference Publication
Developing field methods for the collection and preservation of semen from endangered species of kangaroos
Johnston, S.D., Blyde, D., Gamble, J., Higgins, D., Field, H. and Cooper, J. (1996). Developing field methods for the collection and preservation of semen from endangered species of kangaroos. Thirteenth International Conference of Animal Reproduction, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia, 26-28 June, 1996.
1996
Conference Publication
Seminal characteristics of koala ejaculates collected using an artificial vagina
Johnston, S.D., O'Callaghan, P. and McGowan, M.R. (1996). Seminal characteristics of koala ejaculates collected using an artificial vagina. Thirteenth International Conference of Animal Reproduction, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia, 26-28 June, 1996.
1995
Book Chapter
Ultrastructural and light observations of mature spermatozoa and sperm maturation of the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)
Johnston, S. D., Daddow, L. and Carrick, F. N. (1995). Ultrastructural and light observations of mature spermatozoa and sperm maturation of the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis). Advances in spermatozoal phylogeny and taxonomy. (pp. 397-408) edited by Barrie G M Jamieson, Juan Ausio and Jean-Lou Justine. Paris: Editions du Muséum.
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
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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