Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Edna Evington

Meet Dr. Edna Evington, a passionate behavioral pharmacologist specializing in chronic pain and opioid pharmacology. Currently engaged in clinical research at Duke University, she is dedicated to understanding the challenges faced by chronic pain patients.  

Edna’s journey began with a psychology class at Los Angeles City College (LACC), where she discovered her love for the brain and neuroscience. This stimulated her ambition to pursue a career in medicine. As an honor student, she was inspired by Professor Glen, who introduced her to neurochemistry and research, influencing her passion toward academia.  

Among her proudest achievements is being an LACC Ralph Bunche Scholar, where she learned the importance of research. Edna reminisces her fond memories of campus life, from the vibrant community to the support she received from the LACC Foundation, which provided essential resources like textbook vouchers and the opportunity to become a student worker in the admissions office.  

Now in her final month at Duke, Edna is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Human Affect and Pain Neuroscience (HAPN) lab which is in the Center for Translational Pain Medicine (CTPM) in the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University School of Medicine. Her responsibilities include conducting brain scans and pressure tests, deepening her understanding of opioid pharmacology.  

Looking ahead, Edna plans to complete her responsibilities at Duke and secure a faculty position at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). As one of only two recipients of a prestigious fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, she is excited about her upcoming postdoctoral opportunities. 

When she is not busy with research, Edna enjoys hanging out with friends, taking nature walks with her husband and their golden retriever. She also enjoys boxing as a sport and ensures she receives enough sleep to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle. 

Edna emphasizes the importance of networking, encouraging students to connect and explore their interests. She advocates for community college as a vital stepping-stone, offering a supportive environment to discover passions and prepare for the future.  

Edna’s journey embodies the power of education, mentorship, and community. With a solid foundation from LACC, she is determined to make significant contributions to her field while inspiring the next generation of students.