Senior’s Research Published in International Medical Journal
Michael Bochkur Dratver ’19 recently had his breast cancer research published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology. Impressively, Bochkur Dratver is listed as the eighth author out of twelve — ahead of some postdocs — in the article titled “Mebendazole potentiates radiation therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.”
Also remarkable is that his sister alumna Milana Bochkur Dratver ’14 is listed as the second author. Indeed, the research was a family affair. Bochkur Dratver picked up the research his sister had started while she was a Milken student. After the project had been circulated around to various people, and once he had acquired the necessary research skills, he decided to continue the research and wrap up the paper. He noted that his sister, who graduated from Yale University and is currently in Harvard Medical School, was very proud and excited that he finished the research.
As part of the Mitchell Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) Science Research Program, Bochkur Dratver conducted his research at UCLA in the Radiation Oncology labs of Dr. Frank Pajonk and Dr. Erina Vlash, where he examined cells from breast, brain, and pancreatic cancers. The research focused on increasing the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. By targeting certain aspects of cellular functions, treatments can be manipulated to decrease cancer cells' viability and ideally find potential ways to help cancer patients live longer, better lives.
Bochkur Dratver learned valuable research skills in the lab noting that “Forming hypotheses and planning experiments based on scientific literature can be a taxing mission, but my critical thinking and experimental skills have definitely improved over the course of the past two years.” He also learned to grow cells, and analyze them via labeling, RNA extraction, and much more.
"I am extremely proud of my effort and hard work being paid off in this huge way,” he remarked. “Working with undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and professors has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I will remember forever. I am extremely appreciative for all my mentors over the past two years that have helped me learn indispensable lessons.”
Date Posted 
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Marta Drubach10/14/2018 @ 3:58 PM¡Felicitaciones! I'm very proud of you! Sra. Drubach
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