Welcome to the Department of Genetics!

18 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

Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD receives the Dean’s Medal for Innovation and Commercialization

Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD receives the Dean’s Medal for Innovation and Commercialization (Links to an external site)

Jeff Milbrandt, MD, PhD, the James S. McDonnell Professor of Genetics and executive director of the McDonnell Genome Institute, and Aaron DiAntonio, MD, PhD, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Developmental Biology, received the Dean’s Medal for Innovation and Commercialization for their high-caliber scientific research and commercialization achievements.
Graduate student Kia Barclay receives Provost’s Research Excellence Award

Graduate student Kia Barclay receives Provost’s Research Excellence Award

Graduate student Kia Barclay of the Li Lab has been selected as a Graduate Student Recipient of the 2025 Provost’s Research Excellence Award, a prestigious university-wide honor recognizing outstanding research achievement. Barclay is one of only seven students across both the Danforth and Medical campuses to receive the award this year—and the sole honoree representing the School of Medicine, underscoring the exceptional impact of her scientific contributions.
National Institute on Aging Awards $80M to Long Life Family Study for Large-Scale Genome and Epigenome Sequencing using PacBio HiFi Sequencing

National Institute on Aging Awards $80M to Long Life Family Study for Large-Scale Genome and Epigenome Sequencing using PacBio HiFi Sequencing (Links to an external site)

The Long Life Family Study project, led by Michael Province, PhD, was recently renewed by the National Institute on Aging for $80 Million dollars over 5 years (2U19AG063893-06), to perform sequencing effort as well as recruit new families. PacBio and LLFS expect to begin sequencing in Q4 2025 at the McDonnell Genome Institute at WashU Medicine, with an initial tranche of ~5,500 samples, and the full ~7,800- sample program spanning five years.

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.