Welcome to the Genetics Department!

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.

Our Research Areas


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

Meet Tassia Mangetti Goncalves, postdoctoral researcher in the Zhao Lab. Tassia grew up in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. After a short visit in Iowa State University during her master’s program, she decided to become a researcher in the U.S. Her research interest is mammalian whole genome-wide cis-regulatory modules. Read more about Tassia’s background, hobbies and research aspirations.

Tassia Mangetti Goncalves

Upcoming Events

Lab Spotlight

Meers Lab

Chromatin mediated gene regulation

Latest News

Genetics department hosts NHGRI-funded consortia meetings

Genetics department hosts NHGRI-funded consortia meetings

The Genetics Department at Washington University coordinates the effort of hosting meetings of National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-funded consortia. The consortia meetings span 5 days from 9.11 – 9.16 and took place on Washington University School of Medicine campus.

Our History

The Forefront of Genetics Research

The genetics department 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 Genetics Department 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.