The Crazy Way One Teacher Is Honoring His Students’ Research – With Permanent Tattoos

Tattoos aren’t technically permanent nowadays, but are far easier to get on than off. Removing them can be quite painful, akin to a bad sunburn, so many would agree that a good tattoo has to mean something.

A unique idea: One University of Nebraska Medical Center professor has taken that ethos to the next level, using his skin as a canvas for his students’ accomplishments. Per KETV 7, Dr Corey Hopkins is a professor for the university’s Center for Drug Design and Innovation.

• Hopkins’ right arm is covered in tattoos of chemical compounds created by his students. He admitted he doesn’t teach everyone’s favorite subject, noting its complexity. “To make a drug, you sometimes have to make 5 or 6,000 individual chemicals,” he explained.
• The professor proudly shows off his students’ creations to highlight that dedication. He told KETV 7 that the idea started two years ago with his family, but he wanted to extend that idea to his pupils. “Now it’s about every six months, probably get some new ones,” he explained.

Students Must Work Hard To Get Their Compounds In Tattoo Form

Only the best will do: Thomas Webster, a graduate student, explained how the professor picks his tattoos. “Once per year, compounds get into mouse models, then he tattoos it on your arm,” he said.

• Webster also revealed that his Alzheimer’s compound appeared in Hopkins’ collection while he was away on vacation. “I came back, and he pretty much just showed up. I was like, hey, that’s mine,” he told the outlet.
• Another student, Fahad Rahman, said the professor was “really good at motivating his students.” Rahman’s compound to combat colon cancer is the latest addition to Hopkins’ sleeve. “It’s an absolute honor,” he said. “I feel really proud and honored, honestly. With that, it’s something I did in this lab that left a mark with him forever.”

A conversation starter: Hopkins told KETV, “It’s a good way to just kind of talk about science. But also, you know, give a perspective of why I do it, but also to show the students’ hard work.” He said he’s met students who didn’t enjoy Chemistry in earlier education, and his tattoos are “a good way to kind of start that conversation again.”