Overview
Background
Stephen is a physiologist with expertise in endocrinology. His research focuses on the regulation of metabolism, growth, appetite, and reproduction - exploring how hormones regulate many physiological processes. He collaborates with animal nutritionists and veterinary clinicians to address significant issues in animal health and production. His current research investigates phosphorus deficiency in Australian cattle.
Complementing his scientific work, Stephen is an educational leader with a strong record in teaching strategy, curriculum renewal, and student success. As Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Biomedical Sciences (2019–2024), he led the School’s teaching response to the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a UQ Service Excellence commendation and being named Faculty of Medicine Academic Leader of the Year. He provides strategic direction in the renewal of the UQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science, guiding the development of a future-focused program that enhances students’ sense of belonging, engagement, and graduate capabilities. Stephen has also advanced biomedical science education locally, nationally, and internationally. From fostering pathways for local high school students into university, undertaking curriculum reviews for Australian universities, consulting on Nat Geo science documentaries, and developing physiology MOOCs, Stephen has contributed across sectors to shape education, inspire future scientists, and bring physiology to global audiences.
Stephen’s educational leadership is grounded in extensive teaching experience. At UQ, he has taught physiology to more than 40,000 students across biomedical science, animal and veterinary sciences, allied health, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine. He has received multiple university awards for teaching excellence and innovation, including a national ALTC Citation. He holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, recognising his leadership and impact in higher education. His current scholarly work investigates how students engage with complexity and uncertainty in developing an advanced understanding of physiology. In April 2025, Stephen was reappointed for another term as Director of Teaching and Learning in Biomedical Sciences.
Availability
- Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
- Not available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Agriculture, University of Sydney
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of New England Australia
- Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, The University of Queensland
- Graduate Certificate of Tertiary Education Management, University of Melbourne
Research interests
-
Bone Mineral Metabolism - Calcium & Phosphorus
The physiology of calcium and phosphorus metabolism during pregnancy and lactation is intriguing. Maternal bone stores are often drawn upon to supplement dietary intake to meet the high mineral demand of a rapidly growing foetus before birth and during lactation in the postpartum period. Replenishment of maternal bone stores is necessary for future reproductive success. With adequate nutrition such bone mineral replacement will occur in the annual breeding cycles of many animals. However in ruminants grazing native grasslands, such as those found in Northern Australia, phosphorus deficiency is a major challenge. Our research seeks to extend our knowledge of physiology and nutrition to aid practical management of phosphorus deficiency in Australian cattle.
-
Dealing with complexity and uncertainty.
Learning in the 21st century is about developing a highly valuable skill set for the future. Beyond specific subject knowledge, 21st century skills are often defined as ways of thinking, ways of working, and ways of living. Our research focus is on "ways of thinking" which includes creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, learning to learn, and metacognition. It is about helping students develop the capability to be responsive and adaptive. Stephen's research specifically investigates how students comprehend and deal with complexity and uncertainty, seeking to better support pre-clinical biomedical and allied health students develop such capability for future career success.
Research impacts
Stephen was scientific consultant for a documentary series "Moody Beasts" - a quirky look at how hormones drive animal behaviour. Stephen collaborated with Wildbear Entertainment, an Australian production company, to ensure all statements made in the episodes were validated by scientific evidence. The series was released world-wide on National Geographic.
Brisbane South State State Secondary College at Dutton Park in Brisbane is a new school that is collaborating with UQ to set new standards in education. Specifically the College has an emphasis on STEM(M) - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine - with a biomedical science academy. Since 2019 Stephen has worked closely with the College's leadership team to provide a variety of enrichment and acceleration opportunities for students in the biomedsc academy throughout Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary phases of school.
Stephen designed and led a suite of Massive Open Online Courses in human physiology. Our UQx courses on edX introduced students to Cellular Physiology (Specialised Cells; Tissue Biology) and Systems Physiology (Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology; Renal, Gastrointestinal & Endocrine Physiology). From simple curiosity to supporting ongoing professional development, thousands of students from all continents benefited from undertaking our UQx physiology courses.
Works
Search Professor Stephen Anderson’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
Bone biomarkers in koalas: validation of assays and preliminary analyses
Chen, Chien-Jung, Anderson, Stephen T., Steiger, Natasha, McKinnon, Allan, Henning, Joerg and Allavena, Rachel (2020). Bone biomarkers in koalas: validation of assays and preliminary analyses. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 32 (6), 104063872095703-863. doi: 10.1177/1040638720957031
2020
Journal Article
Metabolic profiling of diabetic cats in remission
Gottlieb, Susan, Rand, Jacquie, Anderson, Stephen T., Morton, John Murray, Dias, Daniel A., Boughton, Berin A., Roessner, Ute and Ramadan, Ziad (2020). Metabolic profiling of diabetic cats in remission. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7 218, 218. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00218
2020
Journal Article
Management of phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle grazing seasonally dry rangelands: a review
Dixon, R. M., Anderson, S. T., Kidd, L. J. and Fletcher, M. T. (2020). Management of phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle grazing seasonally dry rangelands: a review. Animal Production Science, 60 (7), 863-879. doi: 10.1071/an19344
2020
Conference Publication
Phosphorus nutrition in ruminants grazing tropical rangelands
Dixon, Rob, Anderson, Stephen, Kidd, Lisa and Fletcher, Mary (2020). Phosphorus nutrition in ruminants grazing tropical rangelands. Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TROPAG 2019), , Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI . doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036200
2020
Journal Article
Maternal selenium deficiency in mice alters offspring glucose metabolism and thyroid status in a sexually dimorphic manner
Hofstee, Pierre, McKeating, Daniel R., Bartho, Lucy A., Anderson, Stephen T., Perkins, Anthony V. and Cuffe, James S. M. (2020). Maternal selenium deficiency in mice alters offspring glucose metabolism and thyroid status in a sexually dimorphic manner. Nutrients, 12 (1) 267, 267. doi: 10.3390/nu12010267
2020
Conference Publication
Metabolism and endocrinology of cattle in high environmental temperatures
Wijffels, Gene, Sullivan, Megan, Anderson, Stephen, Stockwell, Sally, Briscoe, Suzie, McCulloch, Russell, Cawdell-Smith, Judy and Gaughan, John (2020). Metabolism and endocrinology of cattle in high environmental temperatures. The Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036211
2020
Conference Publication
Blood phosphorus concentration as an indicator of phosphorus deficiency in growing cattle
Dixon, Rob, Anderson, Stephen, Kidd, Lisa and Fletcher, Mary (2020). Blood phosphorus concentration as an indicator of phosphorus deficiency in growing cattle. Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TROPAG 2019) , Brisbane, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI . doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036136
2020
Other Outputs
Improved management of cattle phosphorus status through applied physiology
Dixon, Rob, Fletcher, Mary, Anderson, Stephen, Kidd, Lisa, Benvenutti, Marcelo, Mayer, Bob, McNeill, David and Goodwin, Kerry (2020). Improved management of cattle phosphorus status through applied physiology. North Sydney, NSW Australia: Meat and Livestock Australia.
2019
Journal Article
Periconceptional ethanol exposure induces a sex specific diuresis and increase in AQP2 and AVPR2 in the kidneys of aged rat offspring
Dorey, Emily S., Walton, Sarah L., Kalisch‐Smith, Jacinta I., Paravicini, Tamara M., Gardebjer, Emelie M., Weir, Kristy A., Singh, Reetu R., Bielefeldt‐Ohmann, Helle, Anderson, Stephen T., Wlodek, Mary E. and Moritz, Karen M. (2019). Periconceptional ethanol exposure induces a sex specific diuresis and increase in AQP2 and AVPR2 in the kidneys of aged rat offspring. Physiological Reports, 7 (21) e14273, e14273. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14273
2019
Journal Article
The effect of glucocorticoids on Thrombospondin-1, Osteocalcin and the Thrombospondin-1:Osteocalcin ratio in humans
Cesana-Nigro, Nicole, Keshvari, Sahar, Barclay, Johanna L., Sorbello, Jane, Upham, John W., Benham, Helen, Anderson, Stephen T., Steiger, Natasha, Prins, Johannes B. and Inder, Warrick J. (2019). The effect of glucocorticoids on Thrombospondin-1, Osteocalcin and the Thrombospondin-1:Osteocalcin ratio in humans. Clinical Endocrinology, 91 (6) cen.14108, 728-736. doi: 10.1111/cen.14108
2019
Journal Article
The cresty neck score is an independent predictor of insulin dysregulation in ponies
Fitzgerald, Danielle M., Anderson, Stephen T., Sillence, Martin N. and de Laat, Melody A. (2019). The cresty neck score is an independent predictor of insulin dysregulation in ponies. PLOS ONE, 14 (7) e0220203, e0220203. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220203
2019
Journal Article
Periconceptional alcohol exposure causes female-specific perturbations to trophoblast differentiation and placental formation in the rat
Kalisch-Smith, Jacinta I., Steane, Sarah E., Simmons, David G., Pantaleon, Marie, Anderson, Stephen T., Akison, Lisa K., Wlodek, Mary E. and Moritz, Karen M. (2019). Periconceptional alcohol exposure causes female-specific perturbations to trophoblast differentiation and placental formation in the rat. Development, 146 (11) dev172205, dev172205. doi: 10.1242/dev.172205
2019
Conference Publication
Differential gene expression in three regions of the hypothalamus of steers with different protein and energy intake
Innes, David, Poppi, Dennis, Anderson, Stephen, Hudson, Nicholas, Kidd, Lisa, Antari, Risa and Quigley, Simon (2019). Differential gene expression in three regions of the hypothalamus of steers with different protein and energy intake. International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Leipzig, Germany, 6-9 September 2019. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S2040470019000037
2019
Conference Publication
Sex steroids increase skeletal growth rate in Bos indicus-crossbred steers but do not affect histological changes in the growth plate
Antari, Risa, Kidd, Lisa, Quigley, Simon, Anderson, Stephen, Mayberry, Di, McLennan, Stuart and Poppi, Dennis (2019). Sex steroids increase skeletal growth rate in Bos indicus-crossbred steers but do not affect histological changes in the growth plate. International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Leipzig, Germany, 3-6 September 2019. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
2019
Conference Publication
Challenges and opportunities in the new blended learning paradigm
Vasudeva, S., Colthorpe, K.L. and Anderson S.T. (2019). Challenges and opportunities in the new blended learning paradigm. The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2-4 October 2019.
2019
Journal Article
Effect of metacognitive prompts on undergraduate pharmacy students' self-regulated learning behavior
Colthorpe, Kay, Ogiji, Jennifer, Ainscough, Louise, Zimbardi, Kirsten and Anderson, Stephen (2019). Effect of metacognitive prompts on undergraduate pharmacy students' self-regulated learning behavior. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 83 (4) 6646, 6646. doi: 10.5688/ajpe6646
2019
Conference Publication
Hormones and bone turnover in nutritionally restricted growing cattle
Silva, Tiago, Kidd, Lisa, Anderson, Stephen, Quigley, Simon, McLennan, Stuart and Poppi, Dennis (2019). Hormones and bone turnover in nutritionally restricted growing cattle. International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Leipzig, Germany, 6-9 September 2019. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
2019
Conference Publication
Gene expression in the skeletal muscle of Bos taurus and Bos indicus steers undergoing compensatory gain
Quigley, Simon, Nattrass, Greg, Kidd, Lisa, Anderson, Stephen, Silva, Tiago and Poppi, Dennis (2019). Gene expression in the skeletal muscle of Bos taurus and Bos indicus steers undergoing compensatory gain. International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, Leipzig, Germany, 3-9 September 2019. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
2019
Journal Article
Characterization of insulin and IGF-1 receptor binding in equine liver and lamellar tissue: implications for endocrinopathic laminitis
Nanayakkara, S. N., Rahnama, S., Harris, P. A., Anderson, S. T., de Laat, M. A., Bailey, S. and Sillence, M. N. (2019). Characterization of insulin and IGF-1 receptor binding in equine liver and lamellar tissue: implications for endocrinopathic laminitis. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 66, 21-26. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.05.008
2018
Journal Article
Low sensitivity of a test for anti-Mullerian hormone to assess presence of ovaries in prepubertal bitches
Hill, J. R., Wilkinson, J., Mallyon, J. and Anderson, S. T. (2018). Low sensitivity of a test for anti-Mullerian hormone to assess presence of ovaries in prepubertal bitches. Australian Veterinary Journal, 96 (9), 356-359. doi: 10.1111/avj.12735
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Completed supervision
-
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Intake regulation in ruminants consuming nutrient deficient diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Skeletal growth in cattle in response to nutritional and hormonal manipulation
Associate Advisor
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Salivary and skin biomarkers relevant to perinatal conditioning in pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Marta Navarro
-
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Screening for prediabetes in senior cats and metabolomic characteristics of obesity and Burmese cats
Associate Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Post-partum Anoestrus in Bali Cattle under Low-input Animal Production Systems in Eastern Indonesia
Associate Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Biological Responses of Feedlot Cattle to Heat Load
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Insulin resistance in pregnant mares:the influence of body condition
Associate Advisor
-
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
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steve Johnston
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Refining a 'toolkit' for objective assessment of pain and stress in ruminants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rachel Allavena
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: Field and Experimental Investigations
Associate Advisor
-
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Glucose and Insulin Dynamics of Mares During Pregnancy and Lactation and of Growing Foals
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Associate Professor Stephen Anderson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: