Dr. Temple Grandin lecturing in ANSC 107
Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, noted animal handling, behavior, and welfare specialist, and an inspiration and champion for those who are autistic, visited the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, from October 19-22, 2015. During her visit, she lectured in several classes, visited with faculty and students, and gave a lecture entitled, “It Takes All Minds,” to an overflowing audience. Her visit was sponsored by the E.M “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in Animal Science.
Lectures
Dr. Grandin lectured in two sections (Shawn Ramsey and Leslie Frenzel) of ANSC 107, General Animal Science entitled, “Maintaining High Welfare Standards.” For ANSC 437, Marketing and Grading of Livestock and Meat, Dr. Grandin gave a lecture entitled, “Low Stress Animal Handling.” For ANSC 447, Advanced Meat Science and Technology, Dr. Grandin discussed “Humane Stunning of Livestock.”
Dr. Grandin also gave some informal lectures and conducted some question and answer sessions in ANSC 317, Meat Selection, Evaluation, and Grading, ANSC 402, Explore Animal Industries, and 489, Special Topics in Current Issues in Animal Agriculture. She also gave the Department of Animal Science Seminar, which was entitled, “Animal Welfare and Society Concerns,” and was held at the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex.
Dr. Temple Grandin lecturing in ANSC 107
Dr. Temple Grandin lecturing in ANSC 107
One of the special features after each lecture was the number of students who would line up to introduce themselves to Dr. Grandin and ask for a photo or autograph. She always took the time to visit with students and pose for each photo requested.
Students taking photos with Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin visiting with student after ANSC 107 class
Visits with students
There were several opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with Dr. Grandin during her stay. All of the students were thrilled to get the chance to meet with her during these times, and each one stated how special this chance to spend so much quality time with her was to them.
Dr. Temple Grandin having breakfast with students
Emily Bauer, Dr. Temple Grandin, Cord Weinheimer, Kayla Stults, and Macee Prause
Breakfast meeting with students
Libby Schneider, Christina Borquez, Janelle Saldaña, Rebecca Anderson, Dr. Temple Grandin, Elizabeth Moss, Dani Thompson, Katheryn Giese, and Jeff Savell
Dr. Temple Grandin having dinner with the meat judging team
“It Takes All Minds”
The major event during Dr. Grandin’s visit was her “It Takes All Minds” presentation. Her talk focused on how we each have unique minds that allow us to perform different tasks and how when we come together as groups, we can work most efficiently. Dr. Grandin has given a version of this talk to general audiences, major corporations, and as a TED Talk, which has had over 3 million views to date.
Dr. Temple Grandin presenting her talk, “It Takes All Minds,” to a packed room in the Kleberg Animal and Food Science Center
Future plans
Dr. Grandin returned to Colorado after her trip here, but soon she will be back on the road lecturing and visiting people in the livestock industry and autism community. We have tentatively set the week of October 23, 2017 as the next time that Dr. Grandin will visit Texas A&M University.