Virtual Meeting of the Princeton ACS Section

Thursday, June 23, 2022; 6:00 pm 

“Skin - A Different Canvas. The Art and Chemistry of Tattoos, Inks, Removal and Potential Uses for Health”

Geeta Govindarajoo, Ph.D., Teaching Professor, Rutgers University

Abstract: Tattoos – adornment; a mechanism of personal expression; medical device? Let us explore the chemistry behind tattoo inks (temporary and permanent) along with science behind the process and risks of obtaining a tattoo. How much does skin mimic the properties of a linen or cotton canvas? Chemistry comes into play again in the removal process (ouch!) of tattoos. The potential of tattoos as medical devices and the impact of tattooing on the human immune response will also be discussed

Biography: Professor Geeta Govindarajoo is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and has taught various chemistry courses for 22 years. During this time, she has sought to employ innovations in Chemistry Education while teaching. She recently originated and developed the “Chemistry of Art” course that is taught at Rutgers University after being inspired by an art forger’s autobiography to research the interplay of chemistry and art. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology, and then a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1998 from the University of California, Irvine.

Registration: Registration for the meeting is required. Prior to the meeting, all who have registered will be emailed the link to join the virtual platform. (Note: registration must be completed by 5PM, 6/23/22 to receive the link.)