Carmella Evans-Molina, M.D., Ph.D., has been named the 2026 recipient of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to diabetes research, patient care, medical education and the advancement of physician-scientists. 

“Our alumni are an important part of the legacy of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and when they succeed, their success reflects on all of us,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Dr. Evans-Molina exemplifies that legacy. From her work advancing diabetes research to her commitment to educating the next generation of physicians and scientists, she has made an extraordinary impact. We are honored to recognize her accomplishments and celebrate the difference she is making in the lives of so many.” 

Evans-Molina earned her medical degree from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in 2001, serving as president of her class. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and her fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. During her fellowship, she also earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Virginia. 

Since joining the faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2008, Evans-Molina has built a nationally recognized career focused on diabetes research and the training of future generations of physicians and scientists. 

She is the Eli Lilly Foundation Professor of Pediatric Diabetes at Indiana University School of Medicine and serves as director of the NIH P30-funded Indiana Diabetes Research Center and its Islet and Physiology Core. She also directs the Diabetes Research Program in the Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research and serves as a staff physician at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. 

In addition to her research and clinical responsibilities, Evans-Molina is deeply involved in educating and mentoring future physician-scientists. She serves as co-principal investigator of the Indiana Pediatric Scientist Award K12 program and as co-director of the Diabetes and Obesity T32 Training Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. 

Her research and leadership have also placed her at the center of national efforts to better understand and treat diabetes. Evans-Molina is the Vice Chair of the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Network, where chairs the TN-31 JAKPOT Type 1 Diabetes trial. She is also a member of the Rare and Atypical Diabetes Network (RADIANT). 

Evans-Molina serves as a co-executive director of the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) and as a co-principal investigator of the National Institutes for Health-funded Integrated Islet Distribution Program (IIDP). 

Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Breakthrough T1D and the Helmsley Charitable Trust. She also serves as an associate editor for the journal Diabetes. 

“As impressive as her career, research and accomplishments are, what stands out most is the lasting impact she has made on her patients, her profession and the next generation of physicians,” said Linda Holmes, associate dean of development and alumni affairs. “We are proud to recognize her as a distinguished alumna and to celebrate the example she sets for our entire Marshall School of Medicine community. Her accomplishments reflect the difference our graduates can make in the lives of others.” 

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Evans-Molina during the School of Medicine's 39th Annual Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 11-12, in Huntington. 

Date Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2026