METAIRIE, LA – Southern Eye Bank has recently hired three new employees from the greater New Orleans area, including Ánna Smith, Vu (Henry) Nguyen, and Chad Caplan. All three will act as recovery technicians of corneas for transplant, research and education purposes.
Smith attended University of New Orleans and is currently a student at Xavier University of Louisiana, studying Biology Pre-Medicine and Chemistry. She brings experience from basic bedside nursing care and has various volunteering activities where she was able to participate in clinical shadowing experiences, including Apples 2 Hearts, SciGirls Workshop, American Cancer Society and STEM NOLA.
Nguyen is a recent graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans earning a B.S. in Chemistry/ ACS. He brings substantial knowledge of laboratory practices being both an assistant to Lab Director and a Teaching Assistant, as well as contributing to several publications in the field of chemistry. Nguyen has been recognized as top graduating overall physical science student, top graduating chemistry major, Louisiana section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Outstanding Senior Award, National ACS Chemistry Ambassador, and Junior Analytical Chemist.
Caplan received his B.S. in 2014 from Louisiana State University and a Masters Degree in Pharmacology in 2015 from Tulane University. Caplan has been a volunteer with Southern Eye Bank since 2012 and has been involved with assisting technicians with eye recoveries, consulting with donor families, and maintaining surgical instruments. He also owns his own business, Cmcaplan.com, and participates in various volunteer organizations throughout the state of Louisiana such as Habitat for Humanity, Global Brigades, and Southern Eye Bank.
Southern Eye Bank, located in New Orleans, Louisiana is a 501(c) 3, non-profit eye bank that provides eye tissue for transplant, research and education in Louisiana, the United States and throughout the world. Founded in 1947, Southern Eye Bank is the third oldest eye bank in the United States and is a fully accredited charter member of the Eye Bank Association of America. In addition to community service and donor awareness projects, Southern Eye Bank has assisted more than 40,000 people with receiving the Gift of Sight.
Vu (Henry) Nguyen
Chad Caplan
