Overview
Background
Stephen is a physiologist with expertise in endocrinology whose research examines how hormones regulate metabolism, growth, appetite, and reproduction. He works closely with animal nutritionists and veterinary clinicians on challenges in animal health and production, with current research focused on phosphorus deficiency in Australian cattle.
Alongside his scientific work, Stephen is a recognised educational leader with strengths 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 response to COVID-19, receiving a UQ Service Excellence commendation and the Faculty of Medicine Academic Leader of the Year award. He has guided the renewal of the UQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science, shaping a future-focused program that strengthens student engagement, belonging, and graduate capability. His leadership has also influenced biomedical science education nationally and internationally through school–university pathways, curriculum reviews, science communication projects, and the development of physiology MOOCs. He was recently awarded a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Stephen’s educational leadership is grounded in extensive teaching experience. He has taught physiology to more than 40,000 students across biomedical, health, animal, and veterinary programs, earning multiple teaching awards including a national ALTC Citation. His educational research focuses on how students learn complex concepts in physiology, particularly in contexts involving uncertainty and integration. Reappointed in 2025 as Director of Teaching and Learning in Biomedical Sciences, he also serves as interim Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) for Student Experience and Success in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural 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
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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.
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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
2013
Conference Publication
Endocrine aspects of mares aborting from Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss following exposure to caterpillars
Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Anderson, S. T., Todhunter, K. H. and Bryden, W. L. (2013). Endocrine aspects of mares aborting from Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss following exposure to caterpillars. 2013 ESS Symposium Equine Science Society, Mescalero, NM, USA, 28-31 May, 2013. Maryland Heights, MO, United States: W.B. Saunders. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.03.126
2012
Journal Article
Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse has sex-specific effects on placental growth and mRNA expression
Cuffe, J. S. M., O'Sullivan, L., Simmons, D. S., Anderson, S. T. and Moritz, K. M. (2012). Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse has sex-specific effects on placental growth and mRNA expression. Endocrinology, 153 (11), 5500-5511. doi: 10.1210/en.2012-1479
2012
Conference Publication
Can long-term differences in phosphorus nutrition affect glucose homeostasis in growing steers?
McNeill, D. M., Anderson, S. T., Quigley, S. P., Kidd, L. J., Gout, C. R., Moate, P. J. and Poppi, D. P. (2012). Can long-term differences in phosphorus nutrition affect glucose homeostasis in growing steers?. 2nd Australian and New Zealand Societies of Animal Production Joint Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2-5 July 2012. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Australian Society of Animal Production.
2012
Conference Publication
Hormonal phenotypes of thoroughbred yearlings with osteochondrosis
Anderson, S. T., John, S., Dobbs, T. N., Foote, C. E., Cawdell-Smith, A. J. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Hormonal phenotypes of thoroughbred yearlings with osteochondrosis. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast, Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Conference Publication
Bone biomarkers in mar-foal pairs through the first four months of foal life
Barton, A. J., Anderson, S. T., Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Kidd, L. J. and Greer, R. M. (2012). Bone biomarkers in mar-foal pairs through the first four months of foal life. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 13-15 June 2012.
2012
Conference Publication
Human white coat hypertension: a community based feline model
Reeve-Johnson, M. K., Rand, J. S., Anderson, S., Vankan, D. and Reeve-Johnson, L. G. (2012). Human white coat hypertension: a community based feline model. 12th International Congress of the European Association for Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (EAVPT 2012), Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, 8-12 July 2012. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2012
Conference Publication
Gene expression in the liver of sheep fed diets of different protein and energy content
Quigley, S. P., Poppi, D. P., Anderson, S.T., Isherwood, P., Costa, D. and Nattrass, G. S. (2012). Gene expression in the liver of sheep fed diets of different protein and energy content. 2nd Australian and New Zealand Societies of Animal Production Joint Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2-5 July 2012. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Australian Society of Animal Production.
2012
Conference Publication
Glucose and insulin dynamics in mares and their foals
Dobbs, T. N., Foote, C. E., Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Anderson, S. T., Boston, R. C. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Glucose and insulin dynamics in mares and their foals. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast , Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Journal Article
Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: Mare abortion following experimental exposure to Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer)
Cawdell-Smith, A.J., Todhunter, K.H., Anderson, S.T., Perkins, N.R. and Bryden, W.L. (2012). Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: Mare abortion following experimental exposure to Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer). Equine Veterinary Journal, 44 (3), 282-288. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00424.x
2012
Conference Publication
Endocrine responses in Processionary caterpillar induced EAFL
Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Anderson, S. T., Todhunter, K. H., Perkins, N. R. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Endocrine responses in Processionary caterpillar induced EAFL. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast, Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Conference Publication
Lactation is associated with increased circulation oestradiol levels in mares at ovulation and throughout early pregnancy
Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Anderson, S. T., Liu, A. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Lactation is associated with increased circulation oestradiol levels in mares at ovulation and throughout early pregnancy. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast, Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Conference Publication
Diagnostic challenges of diabetes mellitus: community based research for a human and feline epidemic
Reeve-Johnson, M. K., Rand, J. S., Vankan, D., Anderson, S. and Reeve-Johnson, L. G. (2012). Diagnostic challenges of diabetes mellitus: community based research for a human and feline epidemic. 12th International Congress of the European Association for Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (EAVPT 2012), Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, 8-12 July 2012. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2012
Conference Publication
Role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens
Shini, A., Shini, S., Filippich, L. J., Anderson, S. T. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens. Australian Poultry Science Symposium (23rd, APSS, 2012), Sydney, Australia, 20-22 February 2012. Sydney, Australia: University of Sydney Poultry Research Foundation.
2012
Conference Publication
Gene expression in the arcuate nuclei of sheep fed diets of variable protein and energy content
Quigley, S. P., Anderson, S. T., Poppi, D. P., Isherwood, P., Costa, D. and Nattrass, G. S. (2012). Gene expression in the arcuate nuclei of sheep fed diets of variable protein and energy content. 2nd Australian and New Zealand Societies of Animal Production Joint Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2-5 July 2012. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: Australian Society of Animal Production.
2012
Conference Publication
Stress responses in young, stabled horses can be modified by music
Wilson, M. E., Phillips, C. J. C., Lisle, A. T., Anderson, S. T. and Cawdell-Smith, A. J. (2012). Stress responses in young, stabled horses can be modified by music. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast , Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Conference Publication
Mares of lower body condition score exhibit marked insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion in late gestation
Anderson, S. T., Song, X., Velez Aramburo, M. E., Bartels, R., Cawdell-Smith, A. J ., Foote, C. E., Boston, R. C. and Bryden, W. L. (2012). Mares of lower body condition score exhibit marked insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion in late gestation. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast , Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The University of Queensand, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
2012
Conference Publication
Determination of reference values for casual blood glucose concentration in clinically-healthy, aged cats measured with a portable glucose meter from an ear or paw sample
Reeve-Johnson, M. K., Rand, J. S., Anderson, S., Marshall, R. D. and Vankan, D. (2012). Determination of reference values for casual blood glucose concentration in clinically-healthy, aged cats measured with a portable glucose meter from an ear or paw sample. 2012 ACVIM Forum, New Orleans, LA, United States, 30 May-2 June 2012. Hoboken, NJ, United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00937.x
2012
Conference Publication
The relationship between insulin status and osteochondrosis in thoroughbred yearlings.
Dobbs, T.N., Foote, C.E., Cawdell-Smith, A.J., Anderson, S.T. and Bryden, W.L. (2012). The relationship between insulin status and osteochondrosis in thoroughbred yearlings.. 4th Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 13-15 June 2012. Gatton, Australia: The Uniiversity of Queensland.
2011
Conference Publication
Dietary protein level and glucose and insulin dynamics in mature geldings
Barton, K.D., Foote, C.E., Cawdell-Smith, A.J., Anderson, S.T., Boston, R.C. and Bryden, W.L. (2011). Dietary protein level and glucose and insulin dynamics in mature geldings. Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia, UNE, Armidale, NSW, Australia, July, 2011. Armidale, NSW, Australia: Animal Science, University of New England.
2011
Conference Publication
Effect of music on the behavioural and physiological responses of stabled weanlings
Wilson, M. E., Phillips, C. J. C., Lisle, A. T., Anderson, S. T., Bryden, W. L. and Cawdell-Smith, A. J. (2011). Effect of music on the behavioural and physiological responses of stabled weanlings. 2011 Equine Science Society Symposium, Murfreesboro, TN, United States, 31 May - 3 June 2011. Champaign, IL, United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.03.157
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Intake regulation in ruminants consuming nutrient deficient diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Skeletal growth in cattle in response to nutritional and hormonal manipulation
Associate Advisor
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2018
Master Philosophy
Salivary and skin biomarkers relevant to perinatal conditioning in pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Marta Navarro
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Screening for prediabetes in senior cats and metabolomic characteristics of obesity and Burmese cats
Associate Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Post-partum Anoestrus in Bali Cattle under Low-input Animal Production Systems in Eastern Indonesia
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Biological Responses of Feedlot Cattle to Heat Load
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan
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2015
Master Philosophy
Refining a 'toolkit' for objective assessment of pain and stress in ruminants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rachel Allavena
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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
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steve Johnston
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2015
Master Philosophy
Insulin resistance in pregnant mares:the influence of body condition
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: Field and Experimental Investigations
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Glucose and Insulin Dynamics of Mares During Pregnancy and Lactation and of Growing Foals
Associate Advisor
Media
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