Animal scientist and autistic expert Temple Grandin, whose life story put to film recently won five Emmy awards, will be speaking Sept. 15 at Oklahoma State University.

“Interest has been so high that we’ve had to change the venue to Gallagher-Iba Arena to ensure everyone who wants to can attend,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Grandin’s special seminar will take place at 2 p.m. in OSU’s historic arena, located on Hall of Fame Avenue next to Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. The seminar is free and open to the public.

A professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin said she enjoys helping people – and especially students – better understand animal behavior and best management practices relative to animal handling.

Animal welfare

“I will be talking about animal welfare, animal auditing, animal measurement, animal behavior, cattle handling and how autism helps with animal behavior,” she said.

The division’s department of animal science is sponsoring the event.

Steve Damron, OSU professor of animal production, is pleased that the seminar will bring one of the most celebrated and influential scientists of this time to campus.

“Students, faculty, staff and ranchers will have the opportunity to interact with the person who initiated major paradigm shifts in both animal handling and the world’s view of autism and autistics,” he said. “What a priceless experience.”

In addition, Ron Kensinger, head of the department of animal science, will discuss a new endowed chair to be housed in animal science named in honor of Grandin. The seminar will kick off the campaign to raise money for the Temple Grandin Endowed Chair in Animal Behavior and Well-Being.