Toxic Allure
Did white lead make-up enhance beauty at a deadly cost?
Meet the Team
Fiona McNeill
Principal Investigator
I'm a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University and I have been studying the effects of lead on people's health for thirty years. I very much enjoy physics because it gives me so many tools and techniques to solve scientific puzzles. In addition to enjoying physics, I am fascinated by poisons, love make-up and really enjoy reading history, so a project investigating the toxicity and light reflecting properties of 18th century make-up is a perfect fit for me! This is a such a fun project where I get to work with a great team of people. I look forward to going to work every morning because I am so excited about what we might find out!
Taren Ginter
May 2020 - Present
I just completed my fourth and final year in the physics concentration of the Integrated Science program at McMaster University. My favourite aspect of physics is getting to dive deep into everyday aspects of life that don’t always seem complex, and trying to discover explanations behind unknown phenomena. I have loved being involved with this project over the past few years for the unique interdisciplinary perspective it brings to an under-researched subject. This project is so interesting for its combination of historical concepts and common misconceptions surrounding lead makeup, and I can’t wait to see what we continue to discover along the way!
Josephine La Macchia
May 2022- Present
I studied Medical and Biological Physics Co-op in my undergrad at McMaster University and am now a MSc. Medical Physics candidate at the McGill University. I am so passionate about physics, as you can breakdown and solve almost any property of nature, and I find this to be quite beautiful. I am very excited to be a part of this research project as it is attempting to solve historical questions though the use of science, as well as looking at the optical changes that makeup can create on the skin. This project has been extremely interesting since first hearing about it, and I am excited to personally work with this make up and see what other discoveries unfold!
Dhara Parsania
May 2023 - Present
I've just finished the first year of my undergraduate degree in the Integrated Sciences program at McMaster University. I enjoy scientific research and am very excited to be a part of Toxic Allure! This project is an interdisciplinary intersection of the many scientific components that I enjoy, biology, physics, and human health, all wrapped up in a historical setting. The aim to look at the optical and demal diffusion properties of white-lead makeup on the skin is fascinating and can help in uncovering any misinterpretations of makeup application in the 18th century. Although this is my first year on the team and I have a lot to learn, I have absolutely enjoyed it so far! Aside from research, science and academics, I enjoy spending time outdoors through hiking, canoeing or camping, as well as reading miscellaneous genres when I can. I can’t wait to see what discoveries we uncover and what questions we may answer along the way!
Alumni
Lauren Mutton
January 2023 - April 2023
I am in the Integrated Science program at McMaster with a concentration in Medical and Biological Physics. I enjoy physics as it allows me to understand the world around me. This interdisciplinary project is interesting as it combines the study of lead toxicity with unique historical applications. I am excited to see the future of the project!
Riaz Mahmud
September 2022 - April 2023
I recently graduated from McMaster with a degree in Medical and Biological Physics, where I delved deep into the fascinating world of physics and its applications to the intricacies of life. I really enjoy being able to re-examine seemingly normal everyday phenomena through a quantitative lens and this project piqued my interest because of that. I am very excited to see what the current team discovers!
Sonia Marotta
May 2022 - December 2022
I’m going into my 3rd year of undergrad in Biochemistry at McMaster University. I love learning about microorganisms and diseases. Although I focus on biochemistry, I have always enjoyed physics as well and its applications to health and medicine. I like seeing how different fields of science are used together to explain complex problems. Apart from school, I love to bake and read. I find this project interesting because it uses science to give us a better perspective on the experiences of women in the past and why white lead make-up may have been used. Recreating 18th century make-up is so much fun too! Working in this lab is a great experience and I'm excited to see what we discover!
Megan Gallagher
May 2021 - December 2021
I'm in my final year of the life sciences program here at McMaster University with a specialization in cooperative education.
Shaelyn Horvath
May 2020 - September 2021
I studied Medical and Biological Physics student at McMaster University and am now an MSc. Medical Biophysics candidate at the University of Toronto. I absolutely love Mac and everything it has to offer, especially their supportive and welcoming community. As for classes, my favourites are medical physics based; I love learning about anything dealing with medicine and helping others, all while applying it to my favourite branch of science! Physics has always intrigued me for its unique way of looking at both everyday systems and complex theories. This project in particular really piqued my interest as it combines my extracurricular love for makeup and history with my academic love for physics. Every aspect of this project has been interesting and surprising and I am so excited to see what else we discover!
Ryan Tretter
September 2020 - December 2020
I completed my Chemistry undergrad with a minor in History at McMaster University. I am always amazed by the diversity of problems which can be solved with the assistance of Chemistry. Chemistry continues to remain relevant to real world problems while also delving into incredibly abstract phenomena. I have also had an interest in history as long as I can remember and was immediately captivated by the idea of using chemical theories and techniques to help solve a historical mystery. This project also has modern applications and may help advance our understanding of lead toxicity. I am very excited to see what we discover.
McMaster University
We are very happy and proud to work and study at McMaster University, one of the top 100 universities in the world. Mac (as it is affectionately known) is famous for its research impact and innovative learning. It also has a beautiful campus, which is a great place to live and learn!
