Drs. Debra Diz and Mark Chappell

Nearly forty years ago, inside the bustling halls of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland, two young researchers found themselves working on the same neuroscience project. For Dr. Debra Diz, a postdoctoral fellow, and Dr. Mark Chappell, an undergraduate from American University, it seemed like an ordinary assignment. They had no idea this shared endeavor would spark a journey that would shape not only their careers but their lives.

“I worked days, and Mark worked nights in the lab,” Dr. Diz recalls fondly. “At first, it was all about the science. But soon, we realized we enjoyed so much more together—good food, arts performances, films, craft fairs. That’s where our relationship grew.”

What began as a professional connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership now spanning four decades. After their time at NIMH, the couple moved to Cleveland, where they launched their careers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Their complementary research on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a critical network that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, has significantly advanced our understanding of how the heart works in tandem with other systems in the body.

The American Heart Association (AHA) played a pivotal role in their story by providing them both with funding support. Early in her career, Dr. Diz received the AHA’s Established Investigator Award. That support, she says, was transformative: “The AHA isn’t just about funding science; it’s about supporting people.” That support has been transformative, not only for their research but also for the countless lives touched by their work.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Diz has mentored numerous students, many from underrepresented backgrounds, providing opportunities that were rare in her own early career. “I didn’t have role models who were scientists or doctors when I started out,” she explains. “It was through the grace of others that I got opportunities to do internships. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to mentor others—to open doors for the next generation.”

The AHA’s role in their journey is something both Drs. Diz and Chappell hold close to their hearts. Dr. Chappell says, “After we retire, we’ll still contribute to the AHA because we know firsthand how critical funding is for students and early investigators. It gives them the confidence and experience they need to make an impact not only in their careers, but in science as well.”

Their commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers is unwavering. As mentors at Wake Forest, Dr. Diz and Dr. Chappell have fostered the growth of young scientists and researchers. Dr. Diz explains, “One of the things I hope my legacy will be is that I’ve been able to provide mentorship and programs that expose students to research. It’s been meaningful to me over the years, and I take great pride in it.”

The couple’s dedication extends beyond their work as researchers and educators. As long-time members of the AHA’s Cor Vitae Society, Debra and Mark are committed to ensuring that future breakthroughs in cardiovascular health are realized. “The breakthroughs of the future will come from the people we support today,” Dr. Chappell says. “That’s why we do this—it’s not just about today’s research, but about building a legacy for tomorrow.”

Thanks to their decades of work and the unwavering support of the AHA and its donors, Dr. Diz and Dr. Chappell have not only heavily contributed to the field of cardiovascular science, but they’ve also created a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. As they look ahead, they know the work they’ve done will continue to change lives for years to come. “The heart never takes a day off,” Dr. Chappell says. “The good thing is, the AHA’s ongoing commitment to research means the work will never stop.”