I’ve had the idea for a scientist pin-up tattoo for a number of years. I’ve always thought tastefully done pin-ups made awesome tattoos, something I chose to blame on Little Pete and Petunia in The Adventures of Pete & Pete.

I also specifically wanted a pin-up for a number of reasons. I want it to say things both about myself as a physicist and who a physicist can be. I say it all too often that the existing stereotype of a physicist is either an old, white guy or a (male) nerd lacking social abilities. My tattoo shows a scientist that is sexy. This is not only someone you would love to go out with, but someone who does experiments and publishes papers. I also want to show people that physicists can be social people with fun tattoos and to show physicists that you don’t need to be old or a guy or socially awkward to be a good physicist. Overall, I want to be able to broaden peoples’ ideas of who does science.

I also want to show the glamour that I associate with intelligence and curiosity. I know that’s an odd juxtaposition of adjectives, but to me, brains are sexy. I would love for scientists to be idols like movie stars or singers (or in the case of Hedy Lamar, they can be both!). Also, I think that science is exciting and that the accouterments of science can be just as interesting to look at and encounter as a $2000 purse or bracelet or pair of shoes.

And last but not least, I wanted a tattoo like this because I think it’s pretty rad.

In conclusion, here are some more pictures. (The tattoo is actually inside my right arm. Some of the pics make it seem like it might be on a very oddly shaped leg.)