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

Saintilnord, Reynolds named exceptional early-career research fellows

Saintilnord, Reynolds named exceptional early-career research fellows (Links to an external site)

WashU Medicine postdoctoral researchers Wesley Saintilnord, PhD, in the Department of Genetics (left) and Matthew Reynolds, PhD, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (right) have been named Jane Coffin Childs Fellows. The prestigious award supports early-career scientists conducting biomedical research that could inform the cause and treatment of human disease.
Phillips-Cremins named BJC investigator

Phillips-Cremins named BJC investigator (Links to an external site)

Jennifer E. Phillips-Cremins, PhD, an international leader in understanding 3D genome structure and how it affects brain development and neurological diseases, has been named a BJC Investigator at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Phillips-Cremins will join the Department of Genetics as the James McDonnell Professor and have a dual appointment in the Department of Neuroscience.

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.


Featured Research – Gabor Egervari, MD, PhD

Substance use disorders remain a big problem for society with very limited treatment options available. The Egervari lab studies how abused substances affect the brain, and particularly how they influence the epigenome and gene expression.

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.