Welcome to the Department of Genetics!

23 Labs
125 Students, trainees, & postdocs
50 Faculty

Our mission is to create an exciting and collegial environment where world-class research in Genetics and Genomics is translated into improvements in human health through better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of disease.


Latest News

Zefan (Vivien) Li Named WashU Pivot 314 Fellow

Zefan (Vivien) Li Named WashU Pivot 314 Fellow

Zefan (Vivien) Li, a third-year graduate student in the Jin lab, has been selected for the 2026 cohort of Washington University in St. Louis’s Pivot 314 Fellowship, a competitive program that supports emerging leaders across disciplines.
Assistant Professor Aki Ushiki Awarded Preeclampsia Foundation’s Peter J. Pappas Research Grant

Assistant Professor Aki Ushiki Awarded Preeclampsia Foundation’s Peter J. Pappas Research Grant

Aki Ushiki, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been awarded a 2026 Peter J. Pappas Research Grant from the Preeclampsia Foundation. The award provides $99,997 in research funding to support innovative studies aimed at improving outcomes for pregnant individuals and babies affected by preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Our Research Areas


Recent Publications


Our Campus

Couch Biomedical Research Building

In 2015 the new state-of-the-art research building opened on McKinley Avenue featuring highly flexible open laboratories to facilitate collaboration and accommodate new research teams.

State-of-the-art Research Space

With six stories and 138,000 square feet of lab space, it houses researchers involved in genetics, genomics and regenerative biology, and consolidates most Department of Genetics faculty into a single location closer to important collaborators from other departments.

Research in Comfort

Each floor has a large relaxation area where you can access microwaves, fridges and coffee machines. Dedicated food truck parking and outdoor seating have made the lawn a popular place for people across the campus to gather.


Postdoc Profile: Anjali Yadav, PhD

Anjali Yadav studies how metabolism affects epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the brain, particularly in the context of substance use disorders, development, and neurodegeneration in the Egervari lab. Below we are going to delve into Anjali’s background, hobbies and research aspirations. 

Upcoming Events

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Lab Spotlight

Ushiki Lab

Developmental Genetics and Genomics in Mammals

Our History

The Forefront of Genetics Research

The Department of Genetics at Washington University is one of the oldest and highest ranked departments in the country, contributing to monumental projects such as the Human Genome Project.

Our Community

The Department of Genetics at WashU fosters a collaborative atmosphere, promoting the sharing of innovative ideas and the collective learning from colleagues at all career stages. Our commitment to facilitating this exchange is evident through various initiatives, including regular gatherings like weekly seminars and annual scientific retreats.