World-renowned author and animal welfare advocate Temple Grandin is UBC Okanagan鈥檚 next distinguished speaker, appearing in 91大黄鸭 on Jan. 17.

Grandin is also known as one of the most accomplished and perhaps well-known adults with autism鈥攕he has earned an undergraduate degree at Franklin Pierce College, her masters of science in Animal Science at Arizona State University, and her PhD in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. Grandin is known internationally for speaking out about animal rights, protection, and a movement towards better handling of animals before they are slaughtered for meat production.

She is also an expert in autism. Her talk, Different Kinds of Minds Contribute to Society, will provide insight and understanding about different types of thinkers, their skills and how they can complement each other. Grandin will share her experiences, from working on construction projects in the cattle industry, to learning with autism, to writing best-selling books, and will articulate her point that the world needs just as many visual thinkers, those who excel at the arts, as it does pattern thinkers, those who excel at mathematics.

She is the author of several books including New York Times best-seller Animals in Translation. Grandin鈥檚 visit is part of UBC Okanagan鈥檚 Distinguished Speaker Series, events that bring compelling speakers, with unique perspectives on issues that affect our region, our country and our world to the Okanagan.

This event is free and open to the public, but on-line pre-registration is required. To register visit: . Those with no internet can call 250.807.9216 for tickets.