DBBS

Past Invited Speakers

Speaker	Date of Talk
Leslie Ungerleider, PhD	04/2008
Anthony Movshon, PhD	03/2009
Larry Abbott, PhD	11/2009
William Newsome, PhD	02/2010
Emery Brown, MD, PhD	12/2010
Sabine Kastner, MD, PhD	03/2011
Yiel Niv, PhD	05/2011
Todd Maddox, PhD	04/2013
Lynn Nadel, PhD	03/2014
David Leopold, PhD	4/2014
Michael Frank, PhD	10/2014
Peter Dyan, PhD	03/2015
Jacqueline Gottlieb, PhD	11/2015
Greg DeAngelis, PhD	03/2016
Philip Sabes, PhD	10/2016
Josh Tenenbaum, PhD	03/2017
Nick Turk-Browne, PhD	10/2017
Elizabeth Spelke, PhD	03/2018
Molly Crockett, PhD	09/2018

CCSN

Yes

Organizations & Campus Groups- Open to All

Young Scientist Program (YSP)

The Young Scientist Program (YSP) is designed to attract high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds into scientific careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists. In addition, the YSP targets St. Louis City Public High School teachers with resources that facilitate inquiry-based learning in the classroom. Each year, the program reaches hundreds of high school students and teachers in the St. Louis City Public Schools. The program currently is divided into four components, which work in concert with one another to foster high school students’ and teachers’ interest in science: Teaching Teams, Teacher Researcher Partnership Program, and Summer Focus. A unique feature of the program is that it is entirely run by graduate/medical students and postdoc volunteers from the School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. For more information, email ysp.summerfocus@wustl.edu or call 314-362-7456.

Yes

Recommendations

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from faculty members acquainted with the applicant’s work in the major area of study. Please use the recommender’s professional e-mail address. Do not use personal e-mail addresses through services such as AOL, Hotmail or Yahoo. Upon submission of the recommender’s name and e-mail address, an e-mail will be sent to the recommender containing a web link. The recommender will then be able to complete the necessary recommendation. Online recommendations are instantly attached to your application. Please notify recommenders that they will receive this notification via e-mail and encourage them to respond promptly. If your recommenders use a SPAM blocking tool, please be sure to have them add the email address Washington University in St Louis <lor_help@collegenet.com>to their known/safe addresses.

At least one recommender must be from the applicant’s faculty advisor or research mentor. Other likely candidates for recommendation are professors and/or employers that can assess qualities in ways that professors cannot. Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.

View the Checklist page often to see if your recommenders have submitted the form. If not, please contact them and ask them to complete by the deadline. If your recommenders have not received the recommendation email request, you may resend the request from the Application Status page.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and its amendments guarantee students access to educational records concerning them. Applicants are also permitted to waive their right of access to recommendations. The recommendation is used to help reach decisions on admission. It is not retained as part of the academic record of a student who enrolls at Washington University. Should you decide not to waive your right, you will have access to the recommendation only if you enroll in the Graduate School at Washington University and request to review the form by September 1st of the year you enroll.

The Admissions Committee uses recommendations as one means to obtain an independent assessment of capabilities, experience, and determination for the applicant’s chosen degree program. Applicants are required to inform the recommenders whether they have waived the right to access the letter in their student record. This choice is the applicant’s preference; however, it may affect the information submitted by the recommender.

Yes

Organizations & Campus Groups - Graduate Students

Graduate Student Senate

The Graduate Student Senate is composed of one representative from each department or program in The Graduate School at Washington University in St. Louis. The primary purpose of the Senate is to represent and advocate the interests of graduate students in The Graduate School to members of Washington University and the surrounding community.

Yes

Pathobiology of Human Disease States Course

Section III - Cardiovascular Disease

Section Co-Leaders:

Babak Razani, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology/Pathology, Cardiovascular Division

Joel Schilling, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology/Pathology, Cardiovascular Division

Date

Location

Speaker

Topic

Oct 25

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Babak Razani, MD PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology/Pathology

Cardiovascular Division

Cardiac Imaging

+ Echo Demonstration

Oct 30

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Joel Schilling, MD PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology/Pathology

Cardiovascular Division

Heart Failure

+ Field Trip to Visit Patient
in Suite 2100

Nov 1

Lunch:

FLTC 204

12:30-1:30pm

Lecture:

FLTC 204
(1:30-3:00pm)

Jeff Saffitz, MD PhD

(Invited Speaker)

Mallinckrodt Professor of Pathology

Head of the Department of Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital

Cardiac Pathology

+ Autopsy Field Trip

Nov 6

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Phillip Cuculich, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine,

Cardiovascular Division

Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders

Cardiac Electrophysiology

+ Patient Visit

Nov 8

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Alan Braverman, MD FACC

Alumni Endowed Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases

Director, Marfan Syndrome Clinic & Center for Thoracic Aorta Disease

Director, Inpatient Cardiology Firm

Cardiovascular Division

Diseases of the Aorta

+ Patient Visit

Nov 13

FLTC 203

(11:30-1:00pm)

(1:30-3:00pm)

Babak Razani, MD PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology/Pathology

Cardiovascular Division

Atherosclerosis/Myocardial Infarction

Nov 15

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Marc Sintek, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine,

Cardiovascular Division

Valvular Heart Disease

Nov 20

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

ALL

Wrap Up & Round Table Discussion

Dec 6

FLTC 204

(1:30-3:00pm)

Ryan Fields, MD, FACS

Associate Professor of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic, Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery

Associate Program Director, Gen Surgery Residency Program

Director, Resident Research

Department of Surgery

Mandatory Clinical Mentorship Orientation

Yes

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Test Scores

GRE:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required by some DBBS Programs. Please refer to the individual program web page (http://www.dbbs.wustl.edu/divprograms/Pages/Division-Programs.aspx) to see if you need to submit GRE scores. If so, scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants who need to submit scores are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1^st deadline.

ETS Institution Code - 6929

TOEFL or IELTS:
Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. PLEASE NOTE: The US Immigration service may require a TOEFL/IELTS exam score if the entire program of study is less than 3 years in duration.

ETS Institution Code - 6929

Outstanding recommendations and higher quality research experience may make up for lower test scores, so do not let lower scores discourage you from applying.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ TEST SCORES

I am an international student, how do I know if I am exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS test?

To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. PLEASE NOTE: The US Immigration service may require a TOEFL/IELTS exam score if the entire program of study is less than 3 years in duration.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What are the minimum requirements for applying to DBBS?

All applicants must have a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required for only some programs. Scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1^st deadline. See “Test Scores” below for additional information.

Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. PLEASE NOTE: The US Immigration service may require a TOEFL/IELTS exam score if the entire program of study is less than 3 years in duration.

Some programs have specific course requirements and some do not require the GRE. Please refer to the programs' website for additional information.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What test scores are required and when do I need to take them?

Yes

Test Scores

Yes

Prerequisites

DBBS welcomes applicants with outstanding baccalaureate training in natural, physical or engineering sciences that are committed to a career in research. The strongest applicants will have had significant research experience and have a strong undergraduate record not only in their area of concentration, but also in related disciplines. For example, some of our programs will give preference to applicants who have strong training not only in biology, but also 4 to 6 semesters of chemistry (including biochemistry) as well as appropriate course work in calculus and physics (1 to 2 semesters each). Other programs, depending on their emphasis, will consider individuals with less extensive backgrounds in chemistry, physics, psychology or mathematics but with related training in biology. For example, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology gives preference to applicants that have completed one semester of physical chemistry or an equivalent course.

Minimum Requirements:

All applicants must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required by some, but not all DBBS Programs. Scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1 deadline. See “Test Scores” below for additional information.
Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. PLEASE NOTE: The US Immigration service may require a TOEFL/IELTS exam score if the entire program of study is less than 3 years in duration.

Yes

DGSP Administrative Policy

Other Support

Time Off Policy
Student appointments to the Division are considered to be 52-week appointments and do not follow academic vacation schedules. Planned absences should be approved by the advisor and unplanned absences reported to them. “Advisors” in the graduate years are program directors, rotation mentors, MTE course master and/or thesis mentors, as is appropriate. For MSTP students during their medical training, the Director of the MSTP program will serve as the supervisor. The total amount of excused absence should not exceed 8 weeks. This would include: University approved holidays; 22 days of vacation; and 12 days of sick time off annually. Sick time off and vacation are not carried over from year to year, are not accrued (available from time of appointment) and are not subject to payout at the termination of the graduate student appointment. Therefore, informal monitoring of this time off by advisors and students will normally be sufficient. For students in Ph.D. training, disputes between advisors and students should first be addressed by the Program Director. For MSTP students in medical training, disputes will be resolved by consensus between the MSTP Director and the clinical advisor.

If you decide to travel and be away from the lab for any reason other than to perform research or attend a scientific meeting, your time away from work will be considered a vacation. Should you exceed the allotted 22 days of vacation per fiscal year, you may be required to take an unpaid leave of absence. Students who travel outside of the US are not covered by student health; however, travel insurance can be purchased and information is available at Student Health Services.

Special note for International Students: Due to increased security measures, the process of renewing student visas has been prolonged in several countries. In most instances, it is not necessary to travel home to renew a visa. If you decide to travel to home, please contact the International Office to obtain the required signature of an official representative on your I-20 form prior to traveling out of the country.

New Child Leave
Students may also receive stipends for up to 8 weeks of New Child leave per year for the adoption or birth of a child. Either parent is eligible for New Child leave.

EMail & Internet Access
All students are provided with email accounts and access to the Internet free of charge. Most of the Division's communications about events, changes in policy, courses, etc. are sent by Wustl email. Please see https://sts.wustl.edu/ for more information.

Emergency Short-term Loans
Students (PhD students and MSTP students in PhD years) may apply for a short-term emergency loan through the Graduate Center. Short-term loans are available for $500 or less to eligible students for a short period of time. Short-term loans are billed to your student account and must be repaid in one month. Please contact the Graduate Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Danforth University Center, in Room 300, 9am – 5pm, Monday - Friday.

MSTP Students in ME years may apply for similar loans through the Medical Alumni Fund. Please contact WUSOM Office of Student Financial Planning 362-3045 or money@msnotes.wustl.edu.

Verifications for Federal Student Lenders
It is not necessary for students to request enrollment or degree verification from the Office of the University Registrar or the School of Medicine Registrar for federal student loan deferments. The lenders and servicing agencies for federal student loans download this information directly from the NSC on a regular basis.

Note that the anticipated degree date reported by the Clearinghouse to your loan lenders prior to your actual graduation is a calculated value based upon your year in school and enrollment status. They use it to project when you may no longer be in school and entering repayment on your loans.

Please contact The Registrar’s office for further questions: http://registrar.wustl.edu/student-records/verification/

Yes

Deadlines

The application deadline for Fall 2019 enrollment is December 1, 2018. All applicants are encouraged to submit ealry. Submission of the application prior to November 1, 2018 will allow for a discounted application fee.

Yes

Pathobiology of Human Disease States Course

Section II - Pain Management

Section Co-Leaders:

Michael Bottros, MD, Associate Professor, Anesthesiology; Associate Chief, Division of Pain Management
Robert Gereau, PhD, Dr. Seymour & Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology; Director, Washington University Pain Center
Simon Haroutounian, PhD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; Chief of Clinical Research

Date	Location	Speaker	Topic
Sept 25	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	D.P. Mohapatra, PhD Associate Professor, Anesthesiology	Introduction to Basic Science Mechanisms of Pain
Sept 27	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	Robert Swarm, MD Professor, Anesthesiology; Chief, Division of Pain Mgmt	Introduction to Clinical Pain Management
Oct 2	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	Simon Haroutounian, PhD Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; Chief of Clinical Research	Clinical/Translational Pain Research
Oct 4	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	Sarah Buday, PhD Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; Clinical Psychologist, The Center for Mindfulness & CBT	Pain Psychology
Oct 9	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	Jacob AuBuchon, MD Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology	Pediatric Pain
Oct 11	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	CANCELLED Rescheduled to 10/15	CANCELLED
Oct 15	FLTC 203 (11:30-1:00PM)	Yu-qing Cao, PhD Associate Professor, Anesthesiology	Headache
Oct 18	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	*Michael Bottros, MD* Associate Professor, Anesthesiology; Associate Chief, Division of Pain Management	Postoperative and Acute Pain Management
Oct 23	FLTC 204 (1:30-3:00pm)	ALL	Wrap Up Lunch & Round Table Discussion

Yes

Short Term Housing

If you do not have the opportunity to find an apartment prior to your arrival in St. Louis, you may need to find short term housing for the first few days or month(s). Please visit Washington University Apartment Referral Service (http://ars.wustl.edu) for a list of short-term accommodations. After accessing the site, select “Non-University Housing" then under Housing Options, select "short-term." All distances are from the Washington University Danforth Campus near the corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway referred to as "Main Campus".

Sometimes the Core Apartment Residence at the Washington University School of Medicine is able to provide temporary accommodations on a space available basis. For information, email thecore@wustl.edu or call 314-362-3230.

Hotels located near the Medical Campus:

The Parkway Hotel (on the Medical Campus)
4550 Forest Park Blvd.
St. Louis , MO 63110
1-866-314-7700
(314) 256-7777

Drury Inn & Suites – St. Louis Forest Park
2111 Sulphur Avenue
1-44 & Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63139
1-800-DRURYINN
(314) 646-0770

Cheshire Inn & Lodge
6300 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis , MO 63117
1-800-325-7378
(314) 647-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites – St. Louis at Forest Park
5650 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
1-800-HAMPTON
(314) 655-3993

Hotels near the Danforth Campus:

The Knight Center
(on the Washington University Danforth Campus)
Forest Park Parkway & Throop Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
(866) 933-9400
(314) 933-9400

Sheraton Clayton Plaza
7730 Bonhomme
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 325-3535
(314) 863-0400

Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Clayton Hotel
7750 Carondelet
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 227-6963
(314) 726-5400

Ritz-Carlton-St. Louis
100 Carondelet Plaza
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 241-3333
(314) 863-6300

Washington University does not investigate or endorse specific properties or landlords. Tenants are responsible to inspect a rental address and negotiate the lease terms with any landlord.

Relocating Resources

Yes

Housing

Washington University's Off-Campus Housing Office provides apartment listings and renting information. The Apartment Referral Service (ARS) (http://ars.wustl.edu) provides comprehensive information on renting an apartment and also maintains lists of off-campus housing options. ARS maintains lists of non-University owned housing options and works with Quadrangle Housing (http://www.offcampushousing.wustl.edu/Pages/default.aspx), the management company for all University-owned properties, many of which are on the MetroBus line.

Most people choose to live within a few miles of either campus in neighborhoods such as the Central West End, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Dogtown or the Loop. There are many safe areas around the campuses, but some areas do vary from street to street. We encourage you to check out your neighborhood before signing a lease, and if you are in doubt ask a co-worker or contact Washington University’s Apartment Referral Service for more information.

On the ARS site, you may search under "Non-University Housing" for short-term rentals and to look for roommates.

Additional rental resources:
Student Renter's Guide - Best Colleges
St. Louis Post-Dispatch On-line Classified Ads
The Riverfront Times Classified Ads (St. Louis’ alternative newsweekly)
Apartment Finder
ApartmentList.com
RENTCafé

Before You Rent…....
Renting is a business. It is governed by law and it is to your advantage to know how the law protects you and how it protects your landlord. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office explains the general obligations of Tenant-Landlord Law including the rights of the tenant and the landlord, the lease process, security deposits and repairs. and the rental process. We encourage you to read this information and to consult a lawyer if you have specific concerns or questions. Landlords cannot refuse to sell, rent, sublease or otherwise make housing available based on a renter's race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

Because of the low cost of living in St. Louis and the availability of affordable housing, many people choose to buy property rather than rent. If you are interested in purchasing a house, the St. Louis Association of Realtors is a good place to start as well as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Washington University does not investigate or endorse specific properties or landlords. Tenants are responsible to inspect a rental address and negotiate the lease terms with any landlord.

Relocating Resources

Yes

Continuing Program Membership in DBBS

Program membership in the DBBS will be reviewed periodically:

The first-phase of review will be conducted by the Program Director/Steering Committees. The review process will address the following areas of participation in DBBS:

The member’s record of training and mentoring students, along with current and pending funding.
Committee service to the DBBS and related basic science entities including university, regional, and national organizations that support and promote graduate and medical education. Local service on advisory, planning, and oversight committees related to the mission of the DBBS.
Regular involvement in DBBS program activities, including seminars, journal clubs, student recruiting, and retreats.
Teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education

Based upon the criteria noted above and the recommendation of the Program Director/Steering Committees, the Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to renew the Program membership in DBBS, recommend an offer of General membership, or deny membership. If admission is denied, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

FacultyPolicyApplication

Application, Procedures and Criteria for GENERAL Membership in the DBBS

Faculty on the Clinical, Research or Investigator track from any Department of Washington University may be nominated for DBBS General membership by their Department Head/Chair or Division Chief.

Candidates for new General membership in the DBBS will be evaluated using the following criteria, reflecting the importance of continued excellence in postgraduate training and mentoring. It is expected that DBBS faculty members will have strong credentials in many/most of the following areas:

A good record of student engagement within the Medical School and/or University at large.
Committee service to science/medical entities including university, regional, and national organizations that support and promote graduate and medical education.
Past and ongoing teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education. A list should be provided of course titles with a brief summary of the subject matter taught and the number of contact hours in the classroom.
For recently appointed junior faculty who have not had the opportunity to meet these criteria, the basis for a positive prognosis should be addressed in the nomination letter from the Department Head/Chair.

The Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to admit the candidate to General membership in DBBS. If admission is declined, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

Completed applications must include the four components described below and must be attached to the DBBS membership application form, which can be downloaded below.

Applications are limited to 6 pages.Recommendation Letter or Supporting Statement from Applicant’s Department Head/Chair or Division Chief (1-2 pages)

Biographical Sketch or CV of Applicant (1-2 pages)

Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages), detailing the applicant’s area of expertise and enumerating how they will contribute to the mission of DBBS

Completed Application Form – Click here to download DBBS General Membership Application

FacultyPolicyApplication

Application, Procedures and Criteria for PROGRAM Membership in the DBBS

Faculty on the Investigator (tenure) track from any Department of Washington University may be nominated for DBBS Program membership by their Department Head/Chair. Research Track faculty are eligible only in exceptional cases.

Elements to be considered in determining if “exceptional” circumstances exist are: scientific environment and opportunities for training; evidence of commitment to education and mentoring, long-term commitment by Dept./Division; and evidence of independence in space and funding. If the applicant is granted membership, it would be for a 3-year approval with specific expectations to be met at the end of the 3-years (funding, publications, participation in DBBS activities).

Candidates for new Program membership in the DBBS will be evaluated using the following criteria, reflecting the importance of continued excellence in postgraduate training and mentoring. It is expected that DBBS faculty members will have strong credentials in many/most of the following areas:

A high quality, independent research program in an area of biological or biomedical research that is congruent with existing DBBS programs, and evidence of sustainable research funding or (in the case of new investigators) a strong prognosis for securing funding.
A strong record of training and mentoring students (graduate, medical, and/or undergraduate) and/or postdoctoral fellows, or (for new investigators) a clear interest and potential to do so. Examples include a record of past trainees and their current professional status and achievements, a list of publications authored by trainees, formal recognition/awards for teaching or mentoring, and any other evidence of a positive impact on the professional development of mentees.
Past and ongoing teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education. A list should be provided of course titles with a brief summary of the subject matter taught and the number of contact hours in the classroom.
For recently appointed junior faculty who have not had the opportunity to meet these criteria, the basis for a positive prognosis should be addressed in the nomination letter from the Department Head/Chair.

The process for evaluating candidates will include the following steps.

The nomination will first be reviewed by the Program Director/Steering Committee of the Program that the candidate wishes to join. The Program Director will convey their recommendations to the DBBS Faculty Membership Committee along with a brief evaluation of the candidate’s qualifications with respect to the criteria outlined in 2) above.
The Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to admit the candidate to Program membership in DBBS or recommend a re-evaluation for General membership. If admission is thoroughly declined, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

Completed applications must include the six components described below and must be attached to the DBBS membership application form, which can be downloaded below. Applications are limited to 12 pages and must provide evidence of mentoring experience and skills as well as evidence of ability to cover graduate student stipend support. The following documents are required when a faculty member applies for membership to the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences:

Recommendation Letter or Supporting Statement from Applicant’s Department Head/Chair or Division Chief, whoever is financially responsible in the event of a lapse of funding by the faculty member (1-2 pages)

Biographical Sketch of Applicant (1-2 pages)

Current and Pending Support (include information regarding start-up funds, if applicable (1-2 pages)

Research Statement (1-3 pages)Research Statement (1-3 pages)

List of Current and Past Trainees, if applicable, and other evidence of mentoring experience and skills (Past 5 Years – 1-2 pages)

Completed Application Form - Click here to download DBBS Program Membership Application.

FacultyPolicyApplication

Application Review Process

Early submission of the Ph.D. application is recommended. This allows each application to receive the greatest consideration for admission.

The length of time it takes for review of an application depends on each Program's process. Programs review applications on a rolling basis as application files become complete. Most applicants are notified prior to February 20th regarding the decision to interview the applicant.

Yes

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Coursework/ GPA

Choosing Courses

General requirements include several courses in biology, general and organic chemistry (4-6 semesters), calculus, and physics (1 to 2 semesters each). Some programs require specific course work. The Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology program give preference to applicants that have completed one semester of physical chemistry or an equivalent course. The program in Computational & Systems Biology prefers that applicants have taken courses in algorithms and statistics as well as programming (i.e. C++). See program websites for additional information.

Students earning degrees in fields such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering and who have an interest in the intersection of their own discipline and biology are encouraged to apply to our programs. In programs such as Computational & Molecular Biophysics or Computational & Systems Biology, a background in physics or computer science is extremely useful.

GPA

The Division does not set minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. We ask that GPAs be reported for each school attended on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are also required to submit an unofficial transcript from each college/university attended. The committee reviews these transcripts, taking into consideration the range of courses taken, overall course load, and grades in specific courses. Successful applicants usually have GPAs in both science and non-science courses in the range of 3.2 – 4.0.

Yes

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Letters from research mentors are most important. If an applicant has had multiple research experiences, it is important to get letters from more than one mentor, including the current mentor.

Occasionally, students begin their latest research experience in August or September before completing an application a few months later. In this instance, the faculty member may not feel he/she has had enough time to assess the student's ability. The student can make note of this on the application form. The admissions committee may request a letter from that mentor in the spring.

Letters of recommendation should focus on the student's ability to reason scientifically. Examples of initiative, motivation, and determination are helpful to the committee.

When students ask for letters of recommendation, it is helpful for the student to provide the faculty member with a copy of the student's resume, a transcript, and a description of why the student is interested in pursuing a career in scientific research.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ STIPEND, FELLOWSHIP AND VISA ASSISTANCE

I am an international student residing outside the US. Do you assist with obtaining Visas so that I may come to St. Louis for a personal Interview?

The procedures you must follow to apply for your visa and the length of time required to process the application vary from Consulate to Consulate. You should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate as soon as possible to request information about visa application procedures and requirements. Applicants are required to pay for travel costs but may receive reimbursement for portion of costs if you have the appropriate Visa. You will need to bring your original passport, visa (You will need a business visa (B1) or a waiver of visa for business (WB)) and I-94 for documentation for reimbursement. You will NOT be reimbursed for your airfare if you have a different type of visa per the United States Tax Department.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ INTERVIEWS AND DECISIONS

Can I defer my admission to DBBS?

An applicant admitted to the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences may request to defer admission for one year. Admitted candidates should submit a letter or e-mail to request the deferral. The letter should provide a general statement regarding the reason for the deferral (i.e. year in Peace Corps, personal reasons, etc.). Deferred applicants are expected to contact the Division in early January to confirm their admittance for the following fall.

DBBS has also partnered with Teach for America. Those who are admitted to DBBS and choose to join Teach For America are granted a two-year deferral.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION STATUS

How will I know if you have received all my supporting documents?

You may verify the status of all supporting materials on-line within your application by logging back into your ApplyWeb account and clicking on your "Activity Log". The status of supporting documents is generally updated on a daily basis.

Yes

My recommender does not have any email service. What do I do?

If your recommender does not have access to any email system, please have your recommender call us toll free at 1-800-852-9074 (or locally at 314-362-3365).

How do I resend the recommendation email to my recommender?

Infomration regarding resending the recommendation letter request can be found by logging into your ApplyWeb account.

Yes

How do I change or substitute one of my recommenders?

You may make changes to your recommenders by logging into your ApplyWeb account.

Yes

May my recommenders send their letters by email or fax?

We do not accept letters of recommendation that are sent to us via Fax, Email or any attachment within the email. If your recommender is having problems with the on-line system, please have your recommender contact the CollegeNet Applyweb group.