Temple Grandin

**Mary Temple Grandin** is an American academic, inventor, and ethologist whose groundbreaking work in animal science has reshaped livestock handling worldwide. *Born on August 29, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts*, she grew up in a privileged family but faced early challenges because of her autism, which was not diagnosed until adulthood. Despite being expelled from school and enduring sensory overload, Grandin’s unique visual thinking allowed her to develop the famous “hug box,” a squeeze machine that helped her cope with anxiety and later inspired her humane design philosophy. After earning a B.A. in psychology from Franklin Pierce College, an M.S. in animal science from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, she began consulting for the livestock industry, where she introduced curved corrals, low‑stress lighting, and a double‑rail conveyor restrainer that dramatically reduced animal panic and injury during slaughter.

Her prolific career includes authoring over 60 peer‑reviewed papers and dozens of books such as *Thinking in Pictures* and *Animals Make Us Human*, which merge scientific insight with personal narrative to educate both professionals and the public. Grandin’s influence extends beyond academia; she has become a prominent public speaker, advocated for autism awareness, and inspired the Emmy‑winning HBO film *Temple Grandin*. Recognized by *Time* magazine’s 2010 “Heroes” list, she holds numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Ashoka Fellowship and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. *Through her relentless advocacy for humane animal treatment and her candid discussion of autism*, Grandin continues to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and compassionate practice, leaving an indelible mark on both fields.