Jessica Pikul writes:
I am a Chemistry PhD student at University of Washington. My research is in bioinorganic chemistry, specifically modeling non-heme iron-sulfur metalloenzymes. I am also a Celiac (autoimmune disorder triggered by ingesting gluten). The tattoo on my leg is one of the segments of the gluten protein that I can not digest. The ball and stick molecule is of a Proline-Serine-Glutamine-Glutamine peptide that I can’t break down which then stimulates T-cells to start the fun chain reaction that ends in my small intestine villi being attacked by antibodies. The background to the molecule is an artsy spacescape. I chose this to speak to the universality of the physical laws that govern the microscopic and macroscopic, an idea that has kept me excited about chemistry and in the lab to this day (and hopefully longer).
July 28th, 2008 at 12:34 am
As a fellow Celiac, that is FANTASTIC!
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Also, as a Celiac, I think it’s awesome that you found a way to embrace this!
May 31st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi Jessica,
I ama celia medical illustrator–I’m intrigued by your gluten peptide. A fascinating way to confront the challenge!
Chris
January 13th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
gorgeous. smart and beautiful!
March 17th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Awesome! From another Celiac.
July 26th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I dunno…gotta say that tattooing your weakness onto your own body just seems to be playing into the hands of any super-villains out there.
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:59 pm
To Ryan: Is it really a weakness though? Of course in this day and age its quite inconvenient, but at the same time in a way its a good thing because humans were not meant to be eating such processed foods and grains..
A simpler diet is better..
To Jessica: stay motivated
Is it possible to have GMO grains that dont contain the protein such as wheat without gliadin?