Amanda Ya

Compton lab

Amanda received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Merced. She works with Duane Compton and Kristina Godek in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology Ph.D. program. Her thesis work focuses on uncovering the differences in the developmental potential between aneuploid and diploid human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). A surprisingly high percentage of embryos from IVF clinics are defined as "mosaic" and are comprised of a mixed population of aneuploid and diploid cells as a result of chromosome segregation errors during mitosis. However, mosaic embryos can still result in a successful live birth. What happens to the aneuploid embryonic cells during human development remains unknown. Using hESCs as a model system, Amanda aims to investigate the developmental potential and fate of aneuploid cells in competition with diploid cells. Amanda loves being outside and getting sunshine whenever she can. She enjoys working in her garden, taking walks with her dogs, and cooking a good meal together with friends.  

Contact

HB Hinman Box 7999

Selected Publications

  • Deng, C., Ya, A., Compton, D.A., Godek, K.M., 2023. A pluripotent developmental state confers a low fidelity of chromosome segregation. Stem Cell Reports 18, 475–488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.008 PMID: 36638786. PMCID: PMC9968987. (Featured as the cover in the Feb 2023 issue of Stem Cell Reports)