Animal Behaviorist and Animal Behaviorist Mary Temple Grandin

The Contributions of Mary Temple Grandin

The American scientist, academic, and animal behaviorist Mary Temple Grandin has made a major contribution to the world of animal behavior. She is a vocal advocate for humane treatment of animals and has written more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Besides being a prominent animal behaviorist, she has also become a proponent of humane slaughter practices.

Advocacy for the Autistic Community

While she was a child, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism. She went on to study psychology and animal science and became an advocate for the autistic community. Her work has led to several books and consultations on animal behavior and handling. In 2010, HBO released an Emmy-winning film about her life.

The Film about Temple Grandin

After the success of her book, HBO produced a movie about Temple Grandin. The film stars Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara, and David Strathairn. The film has received a number of awards, including a Golden Globe for best actress in a drama and five Primetime Emmy Awards. The film also earned Temple Grandin the Women's Hall of Fame, and she has been inducted into the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is also on Time magazine's list of influential people.

Influence on Autism Awareness

Since Temple's emergence in the public eye, autism awareness has increased significantly. More people with autism are publicly speaking about their experiences. This increase in awareness has influenced society's perception of autism. But Temple's personal story is still unique and inspiring. It shows how an artist can take a risk to do something for the greater good.

Mentors and Achievements

Throughout her life, Temple Grandin received supportive mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Her high school science teacher William Carlock encouraged her to build a "squeeze machine" based on her daydreams. She wanted to design a device that would apply pressure to a child's body and help them calm down. She modeled her machine after a cattle chute on a ranch, which was designed to apply pressure evenly throughout the body.

Recognition and Affiliations

Temple Grandin has also received honorary doctorates from several universities. She is also a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. She was also a board member of the Autism Society of America. She has a strong following in the autism community. She is also a prominent voice in animal welfare activism. While many people applaud her work, others have a beef with her methods.

Early Life and Education

Temple Grandin's parents gave her a strong foundation for her life. Her father, Richard Grandin, had been a real estate agent and heir to one of the largest corporate wheat farms in the U.S. Her parents divorced when she was a young child. Her mother, on the other hand, married the renowned New York saxophonist Ben Cutler. He died in 1993.

Temple Grandin's parents sent her to private schools to develop her high IQ. Grandin attended college and went on to earn her master's degree and PhD in animal science. She later moved to Colorado and began her career as an agricultural professor. She did not follow the typical employment routes, and instead sought out teaching positions. Since then, she has been at Colorado State University and continues to teach animal science.