The Drapkin laboratory focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, molecular and physiological factors that drive the development of cancer, with a special focus on gynecologic malignancies.  Research from the lab was fundamental to establishing the fallopian tube epithelium as the predominant site of origin for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, reshaping prevailing models of serous tumorigenesis. This paradigm shift enabled the development of unique experimental platforms, including fallopian tube–derived cell lines, genetically engineered and syngeneic mouse models, and patient-derived xenografts that maintain fidelity to the original tumors. Building on this foundation, the Drapkin has led the development of pre-cancer atlases of the fallopian tube, integrating genomic, epigenomic, spatial, and single-cell transcriptomic analyses to define conserved molecular trajectories that precede overt malignancy. More recently, insights emerging from these studies have revealed an unanticipated role for tumor innervation in ovarian cancer progression, identifying neural–tumor signaling pathways that promote tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. Together, these efforts aim to uncover actionable vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for early detection, prevention, and therapy.