We are excited to welcome enquiries for rotations from Ph.D./MSTP students enrolled at Washington University. If you are an interested student, please don't hesitate to contact me for further information. We can mentor students enrolled in any of the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. programs. Per Washington University regulations, we are not permitted to consider any graduate trainees for direct admission into our lab (i.e. you must first be accepted to one of the above programs).

Who should apply?

We welcome inquiries from all passionate researchers who find our lab’s work interesting! We welcome individuals with interest broadly in areas of microbial genetics, ecology, host-genetics, epithelial biology and systems biology approaches. But really, if this microbiome-host-environment interaction stuff is exciting enough to get out of bed everyday and come to have fun in lab… Please reach out to Aayushi!

LOGISTICS

Current status: We have opening for at least 1 graduate student. We have openings in the following project areas: cancer biology and the microbiome, microbial pathogenesis and wound healing, and integrated multiomics in context of microbial ecology and engineering.

General:As our projects are diverse, we can accommodate individuals with multiple skillsets and interests. More important is a track record of inquiry, good quantitative skills, self-motivation, and strong communication skills.

Enquiries about rotations: WashU DBBS trainees should contact Aayushi with a CV and schedule a time to meet and discuss rotation projects. We aim to provide a personalized mentoring and learning experience in the lab. Therefore, we are selective in offering PhD training slots in our lab.Mutual fit is primary criteria for selection, so if you are interested, please contact Aayushi early.

What would a doctoral experience in our lab look like?

1. Lab priorities: Please review our lab vision and handbook.

2. Learn about my Vision for graduate students here.

3. Career and professional development plan: We are committed to providing all trainees with a nurturing environment that fosters scientific creativity. At the same time, I do not want anyone to lose sight of their long-term career goals. Every lab trainee will be required to complete a personal development plan to help strategize and ensure that you are taking steps towards career development. We will work towards personalizing this plan for your needs. 

4. Our research page provides a broad overview about our projects

Resources on choosing a lab for PhD:
1) This nice article by the inspiring Ben A. Barres on choosing a graduate mentor.
2) Erin Duffy’s (Postdoc at Harvard, Phd at Yale) experience on working with a new PI
3) Ten simple rules for choosing a PhD supervisor