From Lab to Fine Line: The Significance of Science Tattoos

To many people, it may seem unconventional to have an organic molecule or a neuron tattooed on their body. However, after completing a difficult STEM course, memorializing these concepts as a tattoo can serve as a reminder of not just the difficult material, but also the connection made between classmates and the pride felt after completing the course. These courses are not only major requirements, but also a stepping stone in your academic journey to discover what you love.  

Smith senior Stella Hopper-Gramenz got matching benzene tattoos with her organic chemistry study group, who she met through Professor Shea’s Organic Chemistry I class. Due to the notorious difficulty of organic chemistry, the group completed homework, studied, and attended tutoring sessions together. After a while, the relationship between the group changed from tablemates to friends. 

When the group was preparing for an organic chemistry exam, one group member joked that they should reward themselves after the exam by all getting matching benzene tattoos.  Benzene is a six membered carbon ring with three double bonds.“One of my friends also said that if she regrets having a chemistry molecule on her body, she can just tell people it's a honeycomb,” Hopper-Gramenz said.

Photo Courtesy of TCI Chemicals 

After the exam, the group got coffee from Dunkin' Donuts and their matching benzene tattoos. The following semester, the group had organic chemistry II with Professor Shea and asked to remain in the same group not only because they were close friends, but also because they were bonded by their matching benzene tattoos. 

Even though this group of friends no longer has an 8 AM organic chemistry class and are at different points in their lives, they still find time to get together every month or so. To Hopper-Gramenz, this benzene tattoo not only represents her love of organic and polymer chemistry and her time in the Buck and Shea organic chemistry labs, but also the relationships and memories she has with this group of friends. “The tattoo represents a mindset and good memories with a lovely group of people,” Hopper-Gramenz said.

Another Smithie who you can spot with a science-related tattoo is Peyton Higgins, a Smith alum and visiting professor in the chemistry department at Smith. After their Smith graduation, they decided to get a tattoo of an electron probability density plot at the 3p energy level. The shaded area with densely packed dots indicates a higher probability of finding an electron and is also known as an orbital. Professor Higgins chose the 3p energy level because of their work with silicon, which has a valence subshell at the 3p energy level. Their first research experience at Smith was in the Queeney lab, where they worked with silicon surfaces. “That early research experience has a special place in my heart” said Professor Higgins.

To Professor Higgins, the tattoo represents their time in the Queeney lab and taking quantum mechanics, but more importantly, their emotional tie to chemistry and their connection to the chemistry department here at Smith. “[Chemistry] was a pretty significant part of my identity by the end of school.” Now that Professor Higgins has returned to Smith as a chemistry professor, this tattoo connects to their teaching of general chemistry, specifically orbitals.

Photo Courtesy of Peyton Higgins 

College science courses are hard and often frustrating; however with the right friends, professors and learning environment, these abstract ideas can evolve into a concrete way of honoring your journey in becoming a scientist. With a science tattoo, one can create meaning from these ideas beyond their technical definitions. This tattoo has become a full circle moment for Professor Higgins as this connection to Smith and chemistry has returned to their life. “It is an emotional tie to chemistry (rather) than what I study,” Higgins said. “Now I’m here teaching people about general chemistry and orbitals.” 

By Bella Leite & Joyana Saha