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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

181 - 200 of 307 works

2011

Journal Article

Major morphological sperm abnormalities in the bull are related to sperm DNA damage

Enciso, M., Cisale, H., Johnston, S.D., Sarasa, J., Fernandez, J.L. and Gosalvez, J. (2011). Major morphological sperm abnormalities in the bull are related to sperm DNA damage. Theriogenology, 76 (1), 23-32. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.12.034

Major morphological sperm abnormalities in the bull are related to sperm DNA damage

2011

Journal Article

Elevated dietary intake of Zn-methionate is associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the boar

Garcia-Contreras, Adelfa, De Loera, Yasmin, Garcia-Artiga, Carlos, Palomo, Antonio, Guevara, Jesús A., Herrera-Haro, José, Lopez-Fernandez, Carmen, Johnston, Steve and Gosalvez, Jaime (2011). Elevated dietary intake of Zn-methionate is associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the boar. Reproductive Toxicology, 31 (4), 570-573. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.12.003

Elevated dietary intake of Zn-methionate is associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the boar

2011

Conference Publication

Regular handling reduces behavioural but not physiological stress responses of wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) towards humans

Hogan, LA, Phillips CJC., Janssen T,, Horsup, A, Nicolson V, Keeley T,, Lisle A, and Johnston.SD, (2011). Regular handling reduces behavioural but not physiological stress responses of wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) towards humans. Animals and the Environment, a shared responsibility, Brisbane Australia, July, 2011.

Regular handling reduces behavioural but not physiological stress responses of wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) towards humans

2011

Journal Article

Differential resistance of mammalian sperm chromatin to oxidative stress as assessed by a two-tailed comet assay

Enciso, Maria, Johnston, Stephen D. and Gosalvez, Jaime (2011). Differential resistance of mammalian sperm chromatin to oxidative stress as assessed by a two-tailed comet assay. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 23 (5), 633-637. doi: 10.1071/RD10269

Differential resistance of mammalian sperm chromatin to oxidative stress as assessed by a two-tailed comet assay

2011

Book Chapter

The novel reproductive biology of the female flying-fox and its implications for the successful development of an artificial insemination programme

Melville, D. F., O'Brien, G. M. and Johnston, S. D. (2011). The novel reproductive biology of the female flying-fox and its implications for the successful development of an artificial insemination programme. The biology and conservation of Australasian bats. (pp. 128-135) edited by Bradley Law, Peggy Eby, Daniel Lunney and Lindy Lumsden. Mosman, NSW Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. doi: 10.7882/FS.2011.015

The novel reproductive biology of the female flying-fox and its implications for the successful development of an artificial insemination programme

2011

Conference Publication

The response of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus Latifrons) to the presence of faeces

Descovich, K, Phillips, C., Nicholson, V., Johnston, S and Lisle, A., (2011). The response of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus Latifrons) to the presence of faeces. International Ethological Conference and the Animal Behaviour Society annual conference, Indiana University,, July, 2011.

The response of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus Latifrons) to the presence of faeces

2011

Journal Article

The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: Onset, duration and cessation of activity

Hogan, Lindsay A., Johnston, Steve D., Lisle, Allan T., Horsup, Alan B., Janssen, Tina and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2011). The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: Onset, duration and cessation of activity. Australian Journal of Zoology, 59 (1), 35-41. doi: 10.1071/ZO11006

The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: Onset, duration and cessation of activity

2011

Book Chapter

Mapping alkali-labile sites in mammalian spermatozoa

Gosálvez, J., Cortés-Gutiérrez, E. I., Dávila-Rodríguez, M. I., Fernández, J. L., López-Fernández, C. and Johnston, S. D. (2011). Mapping alkali-labile sites in mammalian spermatozoa. Animal reproduction: new research developments. (pp. 219-232) New York, NY, United States: Nova Science Publishers.

Mapping alkali-labile sites in mammalian spermatozoa

2010

Journal Article

Genetic variation and structuring in the threatened koala populations of Southeast Queensland

Lee, Kristen E., Seddon, Jennifer M., Corley, Sean W., Ellis, William A. H., Johnston, Stephen D., de Villiers, Deidré L., Preece, Harriet J. and Carrick, Frank N. (2010). Genetic variation and structuring in the threatened koala populations of Southeast Queensland. Conservation Genetics, 11 (6), 2091-2103. doi: 10.1007/s10592-009-9987-9

Genetic variation and structuring in the threatened koala populations of Southeast Queensland

2010

Journal Article

Fragmentation dynamics of frozen-thawed ram sperm DNA is modulated by sperm concentration

Lopez-Fernandez, C., Johnston, S. D., Fernandez, J. L., Wilson, R. J. and Gosalvez, J. (2010). Fragmentation dynamics of frozen-thawed ram sperm DNA is modulated by sperm concentration. Theriogenology, 74 (8), 1362-1370. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.006

Fragmentation dynamics of frozen-thawed ram sperm DNA is modulated by sperm concentration

2010

Journal Article

The behaviour and environmental enrichment of captive mahogany gliders (Petaurus gracilis)

Muller, Tracy L., Ensabella, Traza J., Booth, Rosie, Johnston, Stephen D. and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2010). The behaviour and environmental enrichment of captive mahogany gliders (Petaurus gracilis). Australian Mammalogy, 32 (2), 109-116. doi: 10.1071/AM09035

The behaviour and environmental enrichment of captive mahogany gliders (Petaurus gracilis)

2010

Journal Article

Stereotypies and environmental enrichment in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons

Hogan, LA, Johnston, SD, Lisle, A, Horsup, AB, Janssen, T and Phillips, CJC (2010). Stereotypies and environmental enrichment in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 126 (1-2), 85-95. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.05.009

Stereotypies and environmental enrichment in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons

2010

Journal Article

Non-invasive methods of oestrus detection in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

Hogan, L. A., Phillips, C. J. C., Lisle, A., Keeley, T., Horsup, A. B., Janssen, T. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Non-invasive methods of oestrus detection in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Animal Reproduction Science, 119 (3-4), 293-304. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.01.006

Non-invasive methods of oestrus detection in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

2010

Journal Article

Monitoring male southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) reproductive function and seasonality in a captive population

Hogan, L. A., Phillips, C. J. C., Horsup, A. B., Keeley, T., Nicolson, V., Janssen, T., Lisle, A. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Monitoring male southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) reproductive function and seasonality in a captive population. Animal Reproduction Science, 118 (2-4), 377-387. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.10.001

Monitoring male southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) reproductive function and seasonality in a captive population

2010

Journal Article

Studies of male reproduction in the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis

Johnston, S. D., Rumph, C., Lucht, M., Stenzel, D., Nicolson, V., Blyde, D. and Keeley, T. (2010). Studies of male reproduction in the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis. Australian Zoologist, 35 (2), 315-330. doi: 10.7882/AZ.2010.020

Studies of male reproduction in the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis

2010

Journal Article

Seasonal reproduction in wild and captive male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in south-east Queensland

Allen, Camryn D., de Villiers, Deidre L., Manning, Brett D., Dique, David S., Burridge, Michelle, Chafer, Mandy L., Nicolson, Vere N., Jago, Sophia C., McKinnon, Allan J., Booth, Rosemary J., Mckee, Jeff J., Pyne, Michael J., Zee, Yeng P., Lundie-Jenkins, Geoff, Theilemann, Peter, Wilson, Richard J., Carrick, Frank N. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2010). Seasonal reproduction in wild and captive male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in south-east Queensland. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 22 (4), 695-709. doi: 10.1071/RD09113

Seasonal reproduction in wild and captive male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in south-east Queensland

2010

Journal Article

Using a GnRH agonist to obtain an index of testosterone secretory capacity in the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

Lovas, E. M., Johnston, S. D. and Filippich, L. J. (2010). Using a GnRH agonist to obtain an index of testosterone secretory capacity in the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita). Australian Veterinary Journal, 88 (1-2), 52-56. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2009.00533.x

Using a GnRH agonist to obtain an index of testosterone secretory capacity in the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

2010

Journal Article

Reproductive behaviour of the southern-hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

Hogan, Lindsay, Phillips, Clive, Lisle, Allan, Horsup, Alan, Janssen, Tina and Johnston, Stephen (2010). Reproductive behaviour of the southern-hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Journal of Zoology, 58 (6), 350-361. doi: 10.1071/ZO10068

Reproductive behaviour of the southern-hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

2010

Journal Article

Oestrus in the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is associated with wheel running behaviour but not necessarily changes in body weight, food consumption or pouch morphology

Pollock, K., Booth, R., Wilson, R., Keeley, T., Grogan, K., Kennerley, P. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Oestrus in the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is associated with wheel running behaviour but not necessarily changes in body weight, food consumption or pouch morphology. Animal Reproduction Science, 117 (1-2), 135-146. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.03.005

Oestrus in the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is associated with wheel running behaviour but not necessarily changes in body weight, food consumption or pouch morphology

2009

Journal Article

Remote monitoring of the behaviour and activity of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifroms)

Hogan, Lindsay A., Phillips, Clive J. C., Lisle, Allan, Horsup, Alan B., Janssen, Tina and Johnston, Stephen D. (2009). Remote monitoring of the behaviour and activity of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifroms). Australian Mammalogy, 31 (2), 123-135. doi: 10.1071/AM09023

Remote monitoring of the behaviour and activity of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifroms)

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 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hatching out the secrets of female monotreme reproductive biology

    Associate 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

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

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communications@uq.edu.au