Alan Blackshaw

Alan graduated  in 1949 with a Degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney.  He subsequently worked for ten years in experimental design and analysis in veterinary physiology with Professor C. W. Emmens.  This successful collaboration led to methods for cryopreservation of cryopreservation human, ram and bull spermatozoa and contributed greatly to our understanding of sperm physiology.  Alan continued his career in Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Queensland for over 30 years, including almost nine years as Head of Department.  He made significant advances in understanding the consequences of heat damage to spermatogenesis, using qualitative and quantitative histological methods and histochemistry.  His research also spanned reproductive biology in micro- and mega bats, including seasonal changes in testosterone, and in fish.  He made advances in the cryopreservation of bream, whiting and barramundi sperm for application in acquaculture.  In collaboration with his wife, Dr. J. K. Blackshaw, he studied behaviour of pigs and rams.  After retiring, Alan was involved in collaborative studies ranging from pig embryo cryopreservation and transfer to the culture of mud crabs (Scylla serrata).