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Temple Grandin, renowned author and autism advocate, visits UF

By Sarah Carey

An unexpected cancellation in her schedule, a connection between mutual friends and a bit of luck resulted in renowned author, livestock behavior expert and autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin visiting Gainesville Sept. 23-26 to spend time with University of Florida veterinary students and present a public talk to the local community.

The public presentation, given on the evening of Sept. 24 at the UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, was free, but all tickets had been given out within an hour of the box center’s opening at noon that day. Grandin’s talk touched on how her life and experience as an autistic person contributed to her personal and professional growth, leading to her becoming an expert in animal behavior and a key influence in the way livestock are handled. Grandin’s story was captured in film in an Emmy-award winning documentary in 2010, titled “Temple Grandin.” That same year, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Her journey to Gainesville started with a former UF CVM equine surgeon, Dr. Dan Hawkins, who had long admired Grandin and hoped for an opportunity to meet her in person. Hawkins inquired to a colleague who works with Grandin at Colorado State University, where she is a professor.

“He said, ‘you won’t get her for two years,'” Hawkins said. But he managed to get an email address for Grandin’s assistant, who passed along his request for a visit and relayed back Grandin’s reciprocal interest in coming to the area.

“Then I was out driving one day. The phone rang, and a voice says, ‘Dan, this is Temple Grandin.’ She said she had this year and most of next year booked, but had a cancellation and could be available on a specific date if that time frame could work.”

It did. After several meetings between Hawkins and various other college administrators, an itinerary was developed that included the public speaking opportunity, a tour of the UF beef and dairy units, a research-related informational exchange with various faculty members, a luncheon with representatives from the University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, a tour of the UF Veterinary Hospitals and the Veterinary Community Outreach Program and a wrap-up presentation on animal behavior for veterinary students.

“Everything seemed to fall into place,” Hawkins said.

The public presentation streamed live from the UF Phillips Center and can be viewed here. Her talk to UF veterinary students can be viewed here.

(Photos below by Tyler Lennon Jones and Sarah Carey)

Temple Grandin, right, with Dr. Geoff Dahl of IFAS and others from the UF CVM gather at the UF dairy unit in Hague for a tour on the morning of Sept. 24.airy and beef research units.

UF veterinarians and Dr. Geoff Dahl from IFAS showed Dr. Grandin around the facilities.

Dr. Geoff Dahl, Dr. Temple Grandin and others at UF’s Santa Fe beef unit.

Dr. Temple Grandin shares one of her books with Dr. Geoff Dahl while Dr. Carlos Risco looks on.

Dr. Temple Grandin gets up close and personal with bulls at the Santa Fe beef unit.

Dr. Gabriel Gomes, a resident with UF’s food animal reproduction and medicine service, chats with Dr. Temple Grandin during her tour of the Santa Fe beef unit.

Dr. Temple Grandin visits with one of the bulls at the Santa Fe beef unit.

Dr. Tample Grandin gets to know one of the bulls at the Santa Fe beef unit.

Dr. Carlos Risco listens to Dr. Temple Grandin during her tour of the Santa Fe beef unit.

Members of UF’s food animal reproduction and medicine service pose with Dr. Temple Grandin at Deriso Hall following a morning tour of UF’s dairy and beef units on Sept. 24.

Dr. Temple Grandin stopped in to visit the college’s Veterinary Community Outreach program on Sept. 25 following a tour of the UF Small Animal Hospital. Shown with her is Dr. Natalie Isaza, right.