Dr Ryan Witt

Ryan Witt is a wildlife conservation scientist specialising in marsupial reproduction and reproductive technologies, marsupial ecology, and emerging drone-derived thermal imaging technologies for surveying for koalas and other cryptic species. As a Novocastrian, Ryan has a passion and interest in developing local and regional conservation projects for at-risk marsupial populations in the Hunter Region. He aims to deliver grassroots conservation research of international benefit that is aligned with the National Agenda across three contemporary spheres: drone-based thermal imaging, genome storage, and translocation science.

            Ryan completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism) in 2008, a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (1^stClass Honours, Faculty Medal and University Medal) in 2013 and a PhD (Advances in oestrous synchronisation technology for assisted breeding in marsupials) in 2018 at the University of Newcastle. 

          Ryan is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher and Honorary Lecturer in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, and also holds a University Colour for his longstanding contribution to University of Newcastle Tennis.

Research Interests and Expertise

Ryan is passionate about koala and marsupial rehabilitation and conservation (assisted reproduction/captive breeding and population monitoring using drones with thermal imaging capabilities). Throughout his doctorate Ryan trained and developed expertise in applied conservation research. His main focus was on marsupial reproduction, developing new techniques to improve breed and release programs for the genetic management of threatened populations. Ryan has considerable expertise surveying for koalas, possums and gliders on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Stephens. His experience as a research ecologist includes using drone-dervived thermal imaging and spotlighting to assess the density and occupancy of koala populations, using spotlighting surveys to evaluate the occupancy of threatened squirrel glider populations in Newcastle and Port Stephens. Ryan has also conducted surveys on eastern grey kangaroo (observation, immobilization, capture and veterinary procedures), and has experience quantifying habitat and monitoring green and golden bell frogs on Ash Island. 

Ryan’s PhD focus was central to a key problem in marsupial breeding programs – the inability to reliably and accurately time ovulation. This problem occurs in marsupials due to two factors (1) most marsupials ovulate spontaneously, and (2) the marsupial corpus luteum – the organ responsible supporting pregnancy – becomes independent of hypothalamic-pituitary support after formation, and thus eutherian based technologies of oestrous synchronisation designed to disrupt the life of the corpus-luteum have failed in marsupials. Ryan’s research progressed oestrous synchronisation technology in marsupials by using a GnRH agonist and exogenous FSH and LH hormones to regulate the oestrous cycle with the aim of predicting ovulation. By advancing this technology, Ryan’s research has paved the way for non-invasive trials to be conducted. His work is an essential component of assisted reproduction required to establish marsupial artificial insemination programs for conservation management.

            In January 2018, Ryan delivered a status update on marsupial assisted reproduction at the 2018 Companion Animals Non-Domestic and Endangered Species (CANDES) symposium, the annual premiere meeting in the area of assisted breeding for non-domestic animals held at the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) Conference. This paper and conference presentation (Witt& Rodger 2018) addressed the international audience with up-to-date tools and technologies used to monitor and manipulate marsupial oestrous for conservation breeding (Witt and Rodger 2018). Since 2021, Ryan has served as the Australasian board member of the Companion Animals and Non-Domestic Species Specialist Group of the International Embryo Technology Society. This group governs the annual CANDES symposium, the premiere international meeting in the research area of assisted breeding for non-domestic animals. 

            Ryan is dedicated to establishing conservation research projects and partnerships that serve to ensure the recovery of the NSW Koala population, and the survival of the threatened squirrel glider in the urban forests of Newcastle. Ryan aims to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to see a koala or a squirrel glider in the wild. Most recently, Ryan has collaborated with NSW DPIE to develop a drone/thermal imaging method for detecting koalas in the wild. 

Teaching Expertise

Ryan is a connections and workshop expert and since 2013 has delivered workshops specialising in connecting leading environmental industry practitioners, and professional organisations positioned within the Hunter Region, with final semester Environmental Science and Management students. In 2019, Ryan developed the new blended learning modules and flipped class room model for the capstone course ENVS3002 – Environmental Management perspectives [formerly Applied Environmental Science]. This course seeks to prepare the students for the all-important next step post-graduation– becoming an effective environmental professional. In 2019 and 2020, Ryan co-developed the NUPrep course, Reading and Writing for the Sciences with the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre (Academic Division at the University of Newcastle). The course has been a great success, and is a fun, engaging way for students of any year level to build their skills in scientific report writing, 

Ryan’s teaching duties have included the preparation and delivery of lectures, tutorials, running practical classes such as laboratories, field trips and workshops, and course coordination roles. Ryan excels in teaching workshops and flipped format courses and engaging external practitioners with student learning outcomes. Ryan has also assisted in teaching a range of courses across all year levels in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and the Bachelor of Science Program. These include: BIOL1003 – Professional Skills for the Biological Sciences; ENVS1000 – Environmental Sustainability Explained; SCIE1001 – Professional Scientific Thinking; SCIE1003 - Advanced Scientific Thinking; ENVS2005 –Management of Australian Flora; SRMT3060 – Restoration Ecology; ENVS3001 – Integrated Impact Assessment; and, ENVS3002 – Environmental Management Perspectives (Formerly Applied Environmental Science). 

Contribution to University of Newcastle Sport

Ryan was awarded a University Colour in the Sport of Tennis for his administrative contribution to the development and maintenance of the University of Newcastle Tennis Club between 2011 and 2018. 

Colours are awarded to those that have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and administration of University sport over a period of not less than three full years. This is a highly prized award which recognises protracted contribution to University sport above and beyond the diligent completion of administrative responsibilities of elected or appointed office.