Brooks Prejean is a student at Louisiana State University (LSU) pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Currently based in the Lafayette, Louisiana Metropolitan Area, he is steadily building a foundation in healthcare and biomedical sciences. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has gained practical experience as an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank. His profile reflects a young professional dedicated to a career grounded in science, healthcare, and service.
This article takes a detailed look at Brooks Prejean’s education, work experience, and early career development, focusing on his contributions and the pathway he is carving for himself in the healthcare field.
Academic Background
Louisiana State University (2021 – 2025)
Brooks Prejean began his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University in 2021. He is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in Biology/Biological Sciences, a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for various professional tracks including medicine, research, and biotechnology. The program at LSU is structured to give students both a broad understanding of biological concepts and the opportunity to focus on more specialized fields through electives and lab work.
At LSU, biology students are exposed to coursework that spans molecular biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry. Through this academic environment, Brooks is building a scientific foundation that is critical for further professional work in medicine or research. LSU’s biology program also encourages participation in laboratory work, research projects, and internships, which supports students like Brooks in gaining practical experience alongside classroom learning.
Episcopal School of Acadiana (2017 – 2021)
Prior to university, Brooks attended the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA), where he received his high school diploma in 2021. ESA is a private college preparatory school known for its emphasis on academic discipline and leadership development. The school offers a curriculum rooted in humanities and sciences, designed to prepare students for higher education and independent thought.
At ESA, students are often encouraged to pursue interests in science and participate in extracurricular activities such as academic clubs, service projects, and leadership roles. It is likely that Brooks began developing his interest in biology and healthcare during his years at ESA, setting the stage for his current academic and professional path.
Professional Experience
Southern Eye Bank (Jan 2023 – Present)
In January 2023, Brooks Prejean began working as an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank, located in Metairie, Louisiana. The role of an organ recovery technician is technical, time-sensitive, and vital to the field of transplantation and ocular health. As of August 2025, he has been in this position for over two and a half years.
Southern Eye Bank is a nonprofit focused on recovering, assessing, and distributing eye tissue for transplants, medical research, and training. The organization plays a key role in helping restore vision through corneal transplants and supports scientific progress in ophthalmology.
As an Organ Recovery Technician, Brooks is responsible for the surgical recovery of corneal and other ocular tissue from deceased donors. This work involves maintaining strict adherence to medical protocols and ethical standards. The technician must coordinate with hospitals, funeral homes, and transport teams, often working on-call during evenings and weekends.
This experience gives Brooks direct exposure to the operational side of organ and tissue donation, offering insights into human anatomy, post-mortem medical procedures, sterile technique, and clinical ethics. It is uncommon for undergraduates to gain such in-depth, hands-on experience in organ recovery, which sets Brooks apart from many of his peers in the biology program.
Working in such a role also requires emotional maturity, attention to detail, and professional communication, especially when dealing with donor families and medical staff. Brooks’ ability to maintain this role while pursuing a full-time degree demonstrates strong time management and commitment to his chosen field.
Skills and Contributions
Based on his academic and work history, several qualities and skills emerge that help define Brooks Prejean’s professional character.
1. Scientific Knowledge and Technical Skills
Through his studies in biology and his hands-on work with Southern Eye Bank, Brooks has developed a functional understanding of human anatomy and biological systems. He likely has experience with laboratory equipment, sterile procedures, and the handling of human tissue. These technical competencies are valuable for future careers in medicine, research, or biotechnology.
2. Medical Ethics and Professional Conduct
Organ and tissue recovery work is highly regulated and involves sensitive ethical considerations. Brooks is required to follow strict guidelines regarding consent, privacy, and respectful treatment of donors. This type of experience helps cultivate a professional attitude essential for anyone pursuing healthcare work.
3. Time Management and Discipline
Balancing a demanding university curriculum with a high-responsibility job shows a capacity for time management and organization. Many students struggle to find meaningful employment during their undergraduate years. Brooks not only found a relevant position but has maintained it for over two years.
4. Exposure to Healthcare Systems
By working closely with hospitals, medical examiners, and healthcare professionals, Brooks is gaining a realistic understanding of how healthcare delivery works on a practical level. This background will be an asset should he pursue further education in medicine, public health, or healthcare administration.
Career Outlook
While Brooks Prejean is still completing his undergraduate degree, the choices he has made indicate a clear trajectory toward a career in healthcare or biomedical science. A Bachelor of Science in Biology provides several potential paths forward, including:
- Medical School: If Brooks chooses to take the MCAT and apply to medical school, his academic record and practical experience with tissue recovery would strengthen his application. Medical schools often value candidates with clinical exposure and work that demonstrates both scientific knowledge and ethical responsibility.
- Graduate Research: If research is an area of interest, Brooks could consider pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or a related field. His hands-on work with human tissue and exposure to clinical environments could be useful in lab-based research focused on organ regeneration, pathology, or anatomical studies.
- Healthcare Professions: Apart from becoming a physician, there are many healthcare roles such as physician assistant, clinical laboratory scientist, or pathologist assistant that Brooks could pursue. Each would benefit from the background he is building.
- Organ and Tissue Donation Fields: Given his current work, Brooks could remain in the field of organ and tissue donation in a more advanced role. This could include positions such as tissue bank coordinator, surgical recovery team leader, or policy development in organ transplantation organizations.
Challenges and Commitment
Working in any medical or biological field comes with its share of challenges. For a student like Brooks, those challenges are compounded by the need to balance academic demands with professional responsibilities.
Organ recovery is emotionally and physically demanding. Technicians often work irregular hours and must be prepared to respond quickly to donor availability. In addition, the nature of the work involves confronting death on a regular basis, which can be emotionally taxing. Maintaining a focus on the impact of the work — such as restoring sight to a recipient through a corneal transplant — is often what helps professionals like Brooks stay motivated.
Community and Local Impact
By working with Southern Eye Bank, Brooks is contributing to a nonprofit mission that impacts the lives of people across Louisiana and beyond. Corneal blindness affects millions of individuals globally, and transplant work relies on a delicate chain of recovery, preservation, and distribution. Every technician plays a role in maintaining that chain.
Additionally, by studying at LSU and living in the Lafayette area, Brooks is a part of a broader academic and healthcare community. Universities and nonprofits in Louisiana often collaborate to support public health initiatives, student training, and community outreach.
Conclusion
Brooks Prejean represents a growing number of students who blend academic study with real-world, clinical experience. As a biology major at Louisiana State University and a part-time Organ Recovery Technician with Southern Eye Bank, he is positioning himself for a future in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
His journey reflects discipline, clarity of purpose, and a willingness to take on responsibilities that contribute to both personal growth and public good. While his path is still unfolding, the groundwork he has laid points toward a career with tangible impact in science and medicine.
FAQs
1. Who is Brooks Prejean?
Brooks Prejean is a biology student at Louisiana State University and works as an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank.
2. What does Brooks Prejean study at LSU?
He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from 2021 to 2025.
3. Where did Brooks Prejean go to high school?
He graduated from the Episcopal School of Acadiana in 2021.
4. What does Brooks Prejean do at Southern Eye Bank?
He works as an Organ Recovery Technician, recovering ocular tissue for transplant and medical use.
5. What career is Brooks Prejean preparing for?
He is preparing for a healthcare or biomedical science career, potentially in medicine, research, or clinical practice.
