The campus community is invited to attend a keynote address from Temple Grandin, an author and activist well-known for her support of the humane treatment of livestock and self-advocacy for autism rights and awareness. She will speak from 6-7 p.m. to conclude the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing's second annual Nursing Science Day on March 7.

Grandin is a distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University and has designed facilities for handling livestock that are used by companies around the world. She's played an instrumental role in implementing animal welfare auditing programs used by McDonald's, Wendy's, Whole Foods and other corporations. 

Through appearances on national news programs like 20/20 and 60 Minutes, Grandin has shared her story and research with audiences far and wide. Articles about Grandin have appeared in Time and The New York Times, and her life was adapted into an Emmy award-winning movie by HBO. She was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016 and named one of the Time 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.

Nursing Science Day's multiple sessions take place at the Fayetteville Town Center from 12:30-7 p.m. and are free to attend, but registration is required. Those interested can register and choose which sessions they plan to attend.

This year's symposium theme is "The State of the Science for Animal-Assisted Therapy: Implications for Research, Education and Practice Across the Health Care Continuum."

In addition to Grandin's address, a slate of speakers will present on animal-assisted therapy, including U of A nursing professors Allison Scott and Michele Kilmer, Auburn University associate professor Morgan Yordy and paws4people Executive Director Kyria Henry.

Topics include using canines in academic settings to promote mental health, the ethical use of canines in healthcare and academic settings, information on the assistance dog training minor degree, certification for university students and the use of canines in autism therapy.

Nurses can earn continuing professional development hours by attending the event. Nursing Science Day is hosted with help from the College of Education and Health Professions' WE CARE funding.

For more information, visit the official Nursing Science Day page.