
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
2015
Journal Article
Effect of Cryopreservation on the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Johnston, S. D., Blyde, D., Cooper, J., Harrison, K., de la Fuente, J. and Gosalvez, J. (2015). Effect of Cryopreservation on the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 50 (2), 227-235. doi: 10.1111/rda.12474
2015
Journal Article
Semi-quantitative assessment of superoxide in the human neat ejaculate using a nitro blue tetrazoilum based assay: a comparison of visual, spectrophotometric and image analysis approaches
de la Casa, Moises, Fernandez, José Luís, Badajoz, Vicente, Lopez-Fernandez, Carmen, Johnston, Stephen D. and Gosalvez, Jaime (2015). Semi-quantitative assessment of superoxide in the human neat ejaculate using a nitro blue tetrazoilum based assay: a comparison of visual, spectrophotometric and image analysis approaches. Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro, IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, 3 (2), 1000146.1-1000146.5. doi: 10.4172/2375-4508.1000146
2015
Journal Article
Spermatozoa of Sminthopsis murina (Mammalia: Metatheria) exhibit an unusually high degree of chromatin stability in the absence of disulphide bonding in protamine 1
Johnston, S. D., López-Fernández, C., Arroyo, F., Fardell, S., Roy, R. and Gosálvez, J. (2015). Spermatozoa of Sminthopsis murina (Mammalia: Metatheria) exhibit an unusually high degree of chromatin stability in the absence of disulphide bonding in protamine 1. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28 (9), 1268-1275. doi: 10.1071/RD14504
2015
Journal Article
Advances in the captive breeding and reproductive biology of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Wallage, Andrea, Clarke, Lauren, Thomas, Lindy, Pyne, Michael, Beard, Lyn, Ferguson, Arthur, Lisle, Allan and Johnston, Stephen (2015). Advances in the captive breeding and reproductive biology of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 63 (3), 181-191. doi: 10.1071/ZO14069
2015
Book
Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals
Athol Klieve, Lindsay Hogan, Stephen Johnston and Peter Murray eds. (2015). Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals. Animal science, issues and research, New York: Nova Science Publishers.
2015
Book Chapter
Enigmas in reproductive biology
Johnston, Stephen and Keeley, Tamara (2015). Enigmas in reproductive biology. Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals. (pp. 145-227) edited by Athol Klieve, Lindsay Hogan, Stephen Johnston and Peter Murray. New York, NY, United States: Nova Science Publishers.
2015
Conference Publication
Routine determination of sperm DNA fragmentation incorporating the sperm degradation index (SDi) is a useful noninvasive biomarker to identify patients with varicocele in seminograms
Fernandez, J. L., Gosalvez, J., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Johnston, S. D. and Esteves, S. C. (2015). Routine determination of sperm DNA fragmentation incorporating the sperm degradation index (SDi) is a useful noninvasive biomarker to identify patients with varicocele in seminograms. 31st Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Human-Reproduction-and-Embryology (ESHRE), Lisbon, Portugal, 14-17 June 2015. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/humrep/30.Supplement_1.1
2015
Journal Article
The use of a synthetic progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control the oestrous cycle in the koala
Ballantyne, K., Anderson, S. T., Pyne, N., Nicolson, V., Mucci, A., Lisle, A. and Johnston, S. D. (2015). The use of a synthetic progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control the oestrous cycle in the koala. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28 (10), 1526-1532. doi: 10.1071/RD14387
2015
Journal Article
Heterologous murine and bovine IVF using bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa
Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., de la Fuente, J., Laguna-Barraza, R., Beltran-Brena, P., Martinez-Nevado, E., Johnston, S. D., Rizos, D., Gutierrez-Adan, A. and Perez-Gutierrez, J. F. (2015). Heterologous murine and bovine IVF using bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa. Theriogenology, 84 (6), 983-994. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.001
2015
Conference Publication
The pregnancy and abortion rates of couples with high levels of sperm DNA damage is markedly improved following MACs treatment
Dorado, M., Martinez, Gonzalez-M., Gallardo, M., Hebles, M., Sanchez, F., Johnston, S. S. and Gosalvez, J. (2015). The pregnancy and abortion rates of couples with high levels of sperm DNA damage is markedly improved following MACs treatment. 31st Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Human-Reproduction-and-Embryology (ESHRE), Lisbon, Portugal, 14-17th of June, 2015. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/humrep/30.Supplement_1.1
2015
Journal Article
Orchitis and epididymitis in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) infected with Chlamydia pecorum
Johnston, S. D., Deif, H. H., McKinnon, A., Theilemann, P., Griffith, J. E. and Higgins, D. P. (2015). Orchitis and epididymitis in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) infected with Chlamydia pecorum. Veterinary Pathology, 52 (6), 1254-1257. doi: 10.1177/0300985815570069
2015
Journal Article
Use of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist azaline B to control the oestrous cycle in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Ballantyne, K., Anderson, S. T., Pyne, N., Nicolson, V., Mucci, A., Lisle, A. and Johnston, S. D. (2015). Use of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist azaline B to control the oestrous cycle in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28 (11), 1686-1694. doi: 10.1071/RD14349
2015
Conference Publication
Establishing a threshold level for sperm DNA quality in the semen of donors versus patients using the sperm chromatin dispersion test
Gosalvez, J., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Johnston, S. D., Garci-Ochoa, C., Ruiz-Jorro, M., Martinez-Moya, M., Sanchez-Martin, P., Sanchez-Martin, F., Nunez-Calonge, R. and Caballero, P. (2015). Establishing a threshold level for sperm DNA quality in the semen of donors versus patients using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. 31st Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Human-Reproduction-and-Embryology (ESHRE), Lisbon, Portugal, 14-17 June 2015. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/humrep/30.Supplement_1.1
2014
Journal Article
Molecular analysis of the koala reproductive hormones and their receptors: gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone β and luteinising hormone β with localisation of GnRH
Busby, E. R., Soeta, S., Sherwood, N. M. and Johnston, S. D. (2014). Molecular analysis of the koala reproductive hormones and their receptors: gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone β and luteinising hormone β with localisation of GnRH. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 26 (12), 870-887. doi: 10.1111/jne.12208
2014
Journal Article
Interpreting sperm DNA damage in a diverse range of mammalian sperm by means of the two-tailed comet assay
Cortés-Gutiérrez, Elva I., López-Fernández, Carmen, Fernández, José Luis, Dávila-Rodríguez, Martha I., Johnston, Stephen D. and Gosálvez, Jaime (2014). Interpreting sperm DNA damage in a diverse range of mammalian sperm by means of the two-tailed comet assay. Frontiers in Genetics, 5 (NOV) 404, 404.1-404.11. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00404
2014
Journal Article
Validation of a field based chromatin dispersion assay to assess sperm DNA fragmentation in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Sanchez-Calabuig, M-J, Lopez-Fernandez, C., Martinez-Nevado, E., Perez-Gutierrez, J. F., de la Fuente, J., Johnston, S. D., Blyde, D., Harrison, K. and Gosalvez, J. (2014). Validation of a field based chromatin dispersion assay to assess sperm DNA fragmentation in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 49 (5), 761-768. doi: 10.1111/rda.12364
2014
Journal Article
Semen collection, ejaculate characteristics and in-vitro manipulation of spermatozoa from six-species of captive flying-fox (Pteropus spp.)
Melville, D. F., Crichton, E. G. and Johnston, S. D. (2014). Semen collection, ejaculate characteristics and in-vitro manipulation of spermatozoa from six-species of captive flying-fox (Pteropus spp.). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 27 (8), 1233-1241. doi: 10.1071/RD13391
2014
Journal Article
Sperm fractions obtained following density gradient centrifugation in human ejaculates show differences in sperm DNA longevity
Gosalvez, Jaime, Johnston, Stephen, Lopez-Fernandez, Carmen, Gosalbez, Altea, Arroyo, Francisca, Fernandez, Jose Luis and Alvarez, Juan G. (2014). Sperm fractions obtained following density gradient centrifugation in human ejaculates show differences in sperm DNA longevity. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, 3 (2), 116-120. doi: 10.1016/S2305-0500(14)60012-2
2014
Journal Article
Validation of the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in the Amphibian Xenopus laevis using in situ nick translation and comet assay
Pollock, K., Gosalvez, J., Arroyo, F., Lopez-Fernandez, C., Guille, M., Noble, A. and Johnston, S. D. (2014). Validation of the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in the Amphibian Xenopus laevis using in situ nick translation and comet assay. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 27 (8), 1168-1174. doi: 10.1071/RD14070
2014
Journal Article
Inhibition of the reproductive system by deslorelin in male and female pigeons (Columba livia)
Cowan, Melinda Lee, Martin, Graeme Bruce, Monks, Deborah Jane, Johnston, Stephen Douglas, Doneley, Robert James Tyson and Blackberry, Margaret Anne (2014). Inhibition of the reproductive system by deslorelin in male and female pigeons (Columba livia). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 28 (2), 102-108. doi: 10.1647/2013-027
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
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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