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Dr. Temple Grandin Captivates Audience at Rockville Science Center Event

Posted September 11, 2018 at 8:47 PM

MM&C Happenings, Press

More than 1,000 people streamed into the Strathmore Music Hall last Friday evening to hear renowned author Dr. Temple Grandin speak about her groundbreaking work in animal behavior and autism. Dr. Grandin, professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, is known around the world for her insights on autism in humans and applications of sensory-based thinking to the humane treatment of animals.

“We were proud to be a sponsor of this important program featuring Dr. Grandin, whose work has changed our perceptions of autism and largely influenced understanding of animal behavior,” said Miller, Miller & Canby attorney Soo Lee-Cho, who is principal and co-chair of the firm’s Land Use group and has served on the Rockville Science Center’s Board of Trustees since 2009. “We are also honored to support the important work of the Rockville Science Center in Montgomery County, as the organization strives to inspire interest in the principles of science and how they impact our communities,” she added.

Attendees of the event included dignitaries such as Montgomery County Council member Sidney Katz, Governor Larry Hogan’s Chief of Staff Matthew A. Clark, and members of the Rockville City Council, Mark Pierzchala, Beryl Feinberg, Virginia Onley and Julie Palakovich Carr, as well as supporters of the Rockville Science Center and members of the community.

Dr. Grandin’s work surrounding sensory-based thinking has made her a best-selling author and earned her global media attention; she has appeared on NPR, BBC, 60 Minutes, and in Time Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes and USA Today. HBO made an Emmy-award-winning move about her life.

During her talk at Strathmore, Dr. Grandin recounted her own journey as an autistic individual. Though she did not speak until she was almost four years old, she was fortunate to have benefited from therapy that enabled her to be mainstreamed into elementary school with her peers. Her message to the audience was one of understanding and hope: that as a society we can benefit best by learning from each other and appreciating the different things we can all contribute. Her message of hope for autistic individuals was that they should focus on all the things they CAN do. Her autism, she stresses, allows her to see things others miss.

Dr. Grandin holds 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.

After the event, Dr. Grandin signed copies of her book and further engaged with attendees.

The event was organized for the benefit of The Rockville Science Center, and sponsored by Miller, Miller & Canby and other organizations, including the Foundation for Biomedical Research. The Rockville Science Center is dedicated to “inspiring a passion for lifelong exploration of science for our diverse community.”