Temple Grandin, an autistic professor of animal science at Colorado State University and author of two best-selling books and animal advocate, will be the focus of today’s Assembly Series in Graham Chapel. Her lecture, entitled “Boundaries of Humanity,” is sponsored by Olin Fellows and will provide students with the chance to hear from a woman who has become a role model for thousands.

Grandin first entered the spotlight due to her groundbreaking work on autism. She provides an insider’s perspective on autism through her 1986 book called “Emergence: Labeled Autism,” a true story on her struggle with autism and perseverance to become a successful professional. Her fame soared further with her work as an animal advocate, proclaiming a deeper understanding of animals as a result of her experience with autism. Her 2005 book, “Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior,” examines the connection between humans and animals and explains to humans how animals think.

Grandin has used her perceptive understanding of animals to institute changes for their quality of life by working as a consultant and designer of humane livestock handling facilities. Thanks to her dedicated efforts for reform, McDonalds and other companies now use more humane methods in slaughterhouses.

The media has caught wind of her enlightening success, featuring her on high-profile television programs such as, “ABC’s Primetime Live,” “The Today Show,” “Larry King Live,” “20/20″ and “48 Hours.” What’s more, she has been highlighted in national publications such as Time, U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times, People, Forbes and Discover.

Nancy Pope, the associate dean of the graduate school for Arts & Sciences, which sponsors Olin Fellows, feels that Grandin will help inspire students in two profound ways.

“I would like to think that she will inspire students to have a greater tolerance for other people. Beyond that, I think she’s trying to address issues of how humans are like and unlike animal species, which is something interesting for the campus to be thinking about.”

“She is a living example of someone who has taken qualities we consider deficits, and has turned them into something that other people can’t do, and that’s something that is inspiration in of itself.”

Following Grandin’s lecture at 11 a.m., the public is encouraged to attend a panel discussion from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge. Grandin will be participating in the panel and will be accompanied by Washington University professors Ronald Loui, Pascal Boyer and Ingrid Porton from the St. Louis Zoo.

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