THE JOURNEY
WashU
Medicine
TO DISCOVERY
Outstanding scientists are developed through mentorship at every stage, from undergraduate research through doctoral training. We invite faculty mentors and advisors to learn more about the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU).
Connecting your students with DBBS At WashU Medicine's DBBS, graduate recruitment extends mentoring that begins with the undergraduate experience. We put this philosophy into practice ourselves. DBBS supports the research training pipelines through nationally recognized undergraduate programs and postbaccalaureate programs, leveraging WashU’s strong undergraduate mission. We partner with undergraduate faculty and postbaccalaureate research mentors to help scholars discover scientific questions, develop research skills, and envision careers in research.
Together, we help scholars take the next step
DBBS quick facts 700+ faculty mentors Interdisciplinary, collaborative biosciences rooted in WashU Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences Fully funded PhD training, endowment rooted. Central support staff for finances, curriculum, student affairs, admissions.
Learn more!
https://dbbs.wustl.edu/admissions/
Applications open September 1 - November 15
Let’s stay
connected!
We welcome conversations with: Biology departments Undergraduate research offices Honors programs McNair MARC Academic advisors Research mentors PREP and other Postbaccalaureate Research Program Directors
Reach out to discuss collaborations on: ✓ Admissions presentations ✓ Applicant advising ✓ Grad school preparation workshops ✓ Career panels ✓ Science talks
Contact: DBBS Admissions DBBSPhDAdmissions@wustl.edu
Why recommend DBBS?
Scholars thrive when they can: Access a broad research ecosystem Explore multiple labs in rotations before choosing a mentor. No direct admit.
Build skills and shape trajectory Scientific Immersion onboarding, Graduate Research Fundamentals course, and Nanocourses are signature initiatives that accelerate research readiness and provide a personalized graduate experience. Additionally, optional interdisciplinary pathways customize training around evolving scientific interests.
Connect with a community of scholars Home programs, peer mentoring, and student groups generate camaraderie and skill development outside the lab.
Outcomes speak for themselves 82% PhD completion rate
Compared to a national average of ~60%
5.9 years median time to degree Below the national average of 6.4 years
52% of graduates continue in academia. 31% in bioscience industry and for-profit. Others lead in medicine, law, policy.
What DBBS offers your scholars Access to exceptional research mentorship Entering classes of ~100 DBBS scholars can collaborate with more than 700 faculty advisors who span the major areas of biosciences, including: Cancer Immunology & Microbiology Neuroscience Genetics & Genomics Cell & Developmental Biology Biochemistry Computational Biology & Data Science Structural Biology Plant Sciences Extraordinary breadth with individualized mentorship Mentorship training is required of all faculty to ensure an appropriate balance of scholar challenge and support. Student-centered training Our goal is simple: Help scholars find the best scientific home possible.
Preparing the next generation of scientists We recruit from many educational pathways. When reviewing applications, we value:
Research engagement Previous investment in discovery and inquiry. Intellectual growth Increasing independence and scientific maturity. Curiosity and motivation A vision for important scientific questions. Context Opportunities differ across institutions. We review applications within the context of available resources and experiences.
“There is no single model of a successful applicant. applicant.””
What makes a strong letter of recommendation? We value letters that describe: Research engagement Growth and independence Creativity and problem-solving Persistence through challenges Potential for doctoral-level research Strong letters describe specific observations of research growth, independence, intellectual contribution, and resilience. Specific examples are more helpful than superlative adjectives.
Beyond Research Training We prepare scholars for scientific discovery and for leadership. A distinctive hub-and-spoke model of career development offers preparation in: Scientific communication Leadership, professionalism, and collaboration Teaching and mentoring Grant and fellowship writing Career exploration across many sectors Responsible conduct of research and professional ethics
Across DBBS, scholars secure an average of 36 NSF, NIH, and foundation fellowships each year.
“ Working on this application gave me the chance to pause
and reflect on my scientific journey — how far I’ve come, the amazing community of mentors and peers who have supported me, and my future career aspirations. Winning this fellowship allows me to celebrate my growth as a scientist and motivates me to keep challenging myself as I continue on this next stage of my journey.” Kathleen Kim, PhD student, Molecular Genetics & Genomics – 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program Awardee
Alumni testimonials “ DBBS is unique in its ability to shape training around individual
goals, not just mold scientists, but to empower them as leaders. The Division embraced the idea that scientific innovation can thrive in both academic labs and biotech companies, and that the world is better when organizations are led by individuals with rigorous scientific training.”
Erica Barnell, MD, PhD, Molecular Genetics and Genomics 2023 Co-founder, Chief Medical, and Chief Science Officer of Geneoscopy
“ I developed lots of transferable skills at WashU. I learned to
think critically and question everything. I learned to analyze data, manage people, and work collaboratively to give back to the community.”
Nicquet Blake, PhD, Neurosciences 2001 Vice Provost and Dean of the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) at UCSF
“ While a thesis lab lets you go a mile deep, DBBS is a broad,
inclusive community that lets you go many miles wide. Receiving from and contributing to a community like DBBS are, in my mind, a unique DBBS experience. As I develop a career in academic medicine, this unique DBBS experience lets me to be more open minded and more balanced.”
Ting Wang, PhD, Computational Biology 2006 The Sanford and Karen Loewentheil Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Head of Department of Genetics at WashU Medicine
DBBS Admissions DBBSPhDAdmissions@wustl.edu