Faculty membership

Washington University faculty advisors and mentors are key to the broad training mission of DBBS.  Some serve as principal lab advisors in addition to other roles.  Faculty can apply for Program Membership if they wish to train students in their labs, are assistant professors and above on the Investigator/Tenure track, and can demonstrate the ability to support students.  Faculty with questions about Program Membership or seeking an​ exception to Program Membership criteria can email the Division directly.

Important contributions to the broader training mission of Washington University can be made in ways that don’t include primary mentoring of students in their thesis work. Faculty who wish to serve other training and mentorship roles in DBBS (committee members, course instructors, career mentors) can apply for General Membership.

Faculty membership quick facts


  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
    • Applications are reviewed by DBBS Executive Council in early September, January, and May. Complete applications must be received 15 days prior to the start of the review months.
    • New faculty orientation occurs biannually in late fall and late spring
  • Faculty members must annually document professional development and service to Ph.D. training for use in annual department reviews and continued membership 
  • Applicants must agree to abide by the University code of conduct to retain the privilege of training students

Current faculty

Click on the buttons below to access forms and documents.

Mentorship training

DBBS faculty program membership comes with a commitment to complete at least 2 h of formal mentorship training before accepting a student, with brush-ups every 5 years. NIH training grants also require formal training. The 2 h minimum can be met through online training provided by the University of Minnesota’s CTSI. A free registration is available on their website using the ‘external users’ option.

Other opportunities are offered throughout WashU and beyond. DBBS, in partnership with other University offices, offers 8 h discussion-based training 3 times a year; faculty who participate earn an electronic mentorship badge for website display.