To doctoral student, Ben Doelling, his research on biochemical silencing of maladaptive inflammation in heart failure is more than an academic or clinical pursuit, it reflects a personal drive to understand, protect and ultimately heal the human heart.  

Contrary to popular belief, heart failure is not simply a problem of a “weak heart.”Increasingly, researchers like Doelling have discovered that the body’s immune system can become overactive, triggering chronic inflammation that further damages heart tissue, a finding that has shaped his research goal of understanding what ultimately causes this inflammatory response and how it might be stopped at its source.  

His work has shown that failing hearts produce harmful chemical byproducts that injure heart cells and act as a biological “spark,” setting off inflammation that can quietly worsen heart failure over time. Identifying and disrupting this process has become central to Doelling’s research.  

Recently, researchers, including Doelling, have turned their focus to carnosine, a naturally occurring substance in the body.They are studying whether it can reduce harmful chemical byproducts, calm inflammation and ultimately improve heart function. While many current heart failure treatments help manage symptoms, they do little to slow disease progression. By targeting the root causes of inflammation, this research aims to open new pathways for longer lasting and more effective care.  

With the supportof a newly awarded NIH grant, Doelling has been able to fully immerse himself in this work. The funding relieves a major financial burden, enabling him to devote full time and energy to advancing this project. The award also enables him to travel to scientific conferences, a crucial part of the learning and development process in research. These opportunities allow Doelling to connect with fellow researchers and physicians and receive feedback on his work, which he says, helps him “grow as a scientist and improve our research moving forward.” 

While the science continues to shape his days in the lab, the deeper motivationbehind Doelling’s work lies outside of it. Fascinated by the body’s ability to sense danger and attempt to heal itself, he was drawn to the emerging field of cardio-immunology, which explores the powerful connection between the immune system and heart health. Because heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, even small advances in this area have the potential to make a meaningful difference for countless patients.  

Much of that progress happens quietly behind the scenes. Research can be grueling, with long hours and slow progress that tests even the most dedicated scientists. For Doelling, the reminder of why this work matters most comes at home. His daughter, he says, keeps his heart fully invested. 

“When I come home after a long day in the lab and see her, I’m reminded why this work matters,” Doelling said.“The idea that the work we’re doing now could help improve health and care for her generation, and those that follow, makes all the effort feel deeply worthwhile.” The hope that drives him at home and in the lab also carries over into how he approaches his work and himself. Alongside the pursuit of scientific discoveries, Doelling’s research has profoundly shaped him personally, each setback teaching that progress is rarely fast or easy, and helping him grow into a more patient, resilient and deeply appreciative scientist. 

Looking ahead, Doelling hopes that each discovery, no matter how small, will bring the field closer to better understanding and treating heart failure. While his work may not provide an immediate cure, it adds critical pieces to the puzzle, laying the groundwork for future therapies that could improve the lives of countless patients and families. 

For Doelling, the ultimate reward is not accolades or recognition, but the possibility that his dedication today could create a healthier tomorrow, for his daughter, for future generations and for all those affected by heart disease. “Our work is part of a much larger, collective effort—here at the University of Louisville and around the world—all aimed at finding better answers and better care for people living with heart failure,” he said, a reminder that his heart-driven work is part of a global mission to improve lives.