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