Former student working for Disney Animation speaks to Aggies

Brandon Jarratt was the keynote speaker for GIS Day, where he spoke about the work he did on the Oscar Award winning animated Disney film "Zootopia."

Jarratt works as a technical director for the Walt Disney Animated Studios. He has worked on other animated films like "Big Hero 6," "Moana," and the upcoming "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2."

Jarratt earned a master's degree in visualization in 2013 and a bachelor's degree in computer science in 2010, both from Texas A&M University.

"It's crazy how much everything has changed since I was last here," said Jarratt. "There is a lot of new construction, new stuff on campus, but a lot of the things I remember are still here, which is nice to see."

In his speech, Jarratt wanted to leave some important advice to his fellow Aggies.

"We're in a place that allows you to do great things," said Jarratt. "You just have to take advantage of the resources that you are given here at A&M. Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Don't be afraid to reach out to people in the industry, in whatever job that you are interested."

Jarratt is not an animator himself, but as a technical director, he helps build the tools that animators use to make some of Disney's animated films.