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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

121 - 140 of 307 works

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

Effect of Cryopreservation on the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

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

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

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

Spermatozoa of Sminthopsis murina (Mammalia: Metatheria) exhibit an unusually high degree of chromatin stability in the absence of disulphide bonding in protamine 1

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

Advances in the captive breeding and reproductive biology of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

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.

Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals

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.

Enigmas in reproductive biology

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

Routine determination of sperm DNA fragmentation incorporating the sperm degradation index (SDi) is a useful noninvasive biomarker to identify patients with varicocele in seminograms

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

The use of a synthetic progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control the oestrous cycle in the koala

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

Heterologous murine and bovine IVF using bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa

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

The pregnancy and abortion rates of couples with high levels of sperm DNA damage is markedly improved following MACs treatment

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

Orchitis and epididymitis in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) infected with Chlamydia pecorum

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

Use of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist azaline B to control the oestrous cycle in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

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

Establishing a threshold level for sperm DNA quality in the semen of donors versus patients using the sperm chromatin dispersion test

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

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

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

Interpreting sperm DNA damage in a diverse range of mammalian sperm by means of the two-tailed comet assay

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

Validation of a field based chromatin dispersion assay to assess sperm DNA fragmentation in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

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

Semen collection, ejaculate characteristics and in-vitro manipulation of spermatozoa from six-species of captive flying-fox (Pteropus spp.)

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

Sperm fractions obtained following density gradient centrifugation in human ejaculates show differences in sperm DNA longevity

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

Validation of the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in the Amphibian Xenopus laevis using in situ nick translation and comet assay

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

Inhibition of the reproductive system by deslorelin in male and female pigeons (Columba livia)

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

    Novel strategies for marsupial genetic preservation and in vitro embryo production

    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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini

  • 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

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