Dr. Grandin teaching in ANSC 307, “Meats”
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 22-26, 2017. During her visit, she lectured in several classes, visited with faculty and students, and gave a lecture entitled, “It Takes All Kinds of Minds.” Her visit was sponsored by the E.M “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in Animal Science.
Special thanks go to Dan Hale and Spencer Tindel for their planning and help with logistics during Dr. Grandin’s visit.
Spencer Tindel and Dr. Temple Grandin
Lectures by Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Grandin began her time at Texas A&M University in ANSC 307, “Meats” with a lecture on “General Meat Plant Handling.” She lectured in multiple sections (Shawn Ramsey, Leslie Frenzel, and Katie Dunlap) of ANSC 107, General Animal Science entitled, “General Cattle Handling.” For ANSC 437, Marketing and Grading of Livestock and Meat, Dr. Grandin gave a lecture entitled, “Livestock Welfare Auditing.” For ANSC 447, Advanced Meat Science and Technology, Dr. Grandin discussed “Humane Stunning of Livestock.” She also gave a lecture for the combined classes of ANSC 310, “Behavior and Management of Domestic Species” and ANSC 609, “Physiology of Growth and Stress in Livestock.”
Dr. Grandin lecturing in ANSC 307, “Meats”
Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Grandin lecturing in ANSC 307, “Meats”
Dr. Grandin answering questions in ANSC 107 at Texas A&M University
Dr. Grandin lecturing
Dr. Grandin also gave some informal lectures and conducted some question and answer sessions in ANSC 402, “Explore Animal Industries,” and ANSC 351, “Current Issues in Animal Agriculture.” She also gave the Department of Animal Science Seminar, which was entitled, “Status of Animal Welfare in the United States,” and was held at the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex.
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 lining up for photographs and autographs with Dr. Grandin
Visits with students
There were several opportunities 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
Dr. Temple Grandin and members of the Texas A&M University Meat Judging Team
Students having lunch with Dr. Grandin
Dr. Grandin visiting with students during lunch
Dr. Grandin dining with students
Dr. Grandin dining with students
Dr. Grandin having breakfast with students
Dr. Grandin having breakfast with students
Dr. Grandin meeting with meat science grad students
Dr. Grandin meeting with meat science grad students
Dr. Grandin talking to grad students
“It Takes All Kinds of Minds”
The major event during Dr. Grandin’s visit was her “It Takes All Kinds of 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 4.4 million views to date.
Dr. Grandin during her presentation, “It Takes All Kinds of Minds”
Dr. Grandin during her presentation, “It Takes All Kinds of Minds”
Special barbecue for Dr. Grandin
Dr. Grandin loves Texas Barbecue, and we invited Russell, Misty, and Drake Roegels from Roegels Barbecue in Houston, Texas to cater a special barbecue meal for her and some of our students. Great brisket, smoked turkey, and sausage were prepared and served, and Dr. Grandin visited informally with the students during our time together.
Russell Roegels serving Roegels Barbecue to Dr. Temple Grandin
Russell Roegels serving barbecue to students
Russell Roegels and Spencer Tindel slicing and serving barbecue
Russell Roegels, Drake Roegels, and Misty Roegels of Roegels Barbecue, Houston, Texas with Dr. Grandin
Special thanks!
We extend a special thanks to Dr. Grandin for spending time with our faculty and students during her week with us. We are all richer from her words of wisdom and her insight into so many different topics of interest.