Animal scientist Temple Grandin to speak at Auburn University

Temple Grandin, whose story was told in an award-winning HBO movie starring Claire Danes, will speak at 8 p.m. EDT March 31 at Auburn University's Student Center Ballroom.

Grandin was diagnosed with autism in 1950, and doctors urged her parents to institutionalize her. However, her mother refused and found tutors and private schools to help her daughter realize the potential of her mind.

Grandin became an animal scientist and became one of the world's leading designers of humane livestock handling facilities.

She is the Auburn University College of Agriculture's spring 2011 E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer.

Grandin is an animal science professor at Colorado State University and best-selling author. She conducts research on livestock behavior and handling systems that reduce stress for the animals at the processing plants.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin Pierce College in 1970, her masters degree in animal science from Arizona State University in 1975 and her Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois in 1989.

Call Deborah Solie, 334-844-8900.

This story was originally published March 23, 2011 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Animal scientist Temple Grandin to speak at Auburn University."