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Katharine Blodgett and Invisible Glass: A Trailblazing Scientist's Legacy

Gabriel Mistral

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Published in Katharine Blodgett And Invisible Glass (21st Century Junior Library: Women Innovators)

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Imagine a world without glass. No windows to let in the light, no bottles to hold our drinks, no lenses to correct our vision. It's a world that would be hard to imagine, and it's one that we owe in large part to the work of Katharine Blodgett, a pioneering scientist who revolutionized the field of glass technology.

Blodgett was born in Schenectady, New York, in 1898. She was a brilliant student from a young age, and she went on to earn a PhD in chemistry from the University of Chicago. After graduation, Blodgett joined the research staff at General Electric, where she would spend the next 30 years of her career.

Katharine Blodgett and Invisible Glass (21st Century Junior Library: Women Innovators)

by Darcy Pattison

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4503 KB
Print length	:	24 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

At GE, Blodgett conducted groundbreaking research on the surface properties of glass. She developed a new method for creating thin, invisible films on glass surfaces, which had a wide range of applications, from reducing glare to protecting glass from scratches.

Blodgett's work on invisible glass had a profound impact on the development of modern technology. Her coatings are used in everything from camera lenses to windshields, and they have made our lives safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Katharine Blodgett's Early Life and Education

Katharine Burr Blodgett was born on January 10, 1898, in Schenectady, New York. Her father, George Blodgett, was a patent attorney, and her mother, Katherine Burr Blodgett, was a homemaker. Katharine had one older brother, George Jr.

Katharine was a bright and curious child. She loved to read and learn about new things. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, playing with her brother and exploring the natural world.

Katharine attended public schools in Schenectady. She was an excellent student, and she graduated from high school with honors. After graduation, Katharine enrolled at Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in chemistry.

At Bryn Mawr, Katharine excelled in her studies. She was awarded the Mary E. Garrett European Fellowship, which allowed her to spend a year studying at the University of Cambridge in England. After graduating from Bryn Mawr, Katharine returned to the United States and enrolled in the PhD program in chemistry at the University of Chicago.

Katharine's PhD research focused on the surface properties of glass. She developed a new method for creating thin, invisible films on glass surfaces. This work would later form the basis of her groundbreaking work on invisible glass.

Katharine Blodgett's Career at General Electric

After graduating from the University of Chicago, Katharine Blodgett joined the research staff at General Electric (GE). She worked at GE for the next 30 years, and she made significant contributions to the field of glass technology.

Blodgett's early work at GE focused on developing new methods for manufacturing glass. She developed a new process for making thin, flat glass, which was used in a variety of applications, from windows to windshields.

In the late 1930s, Blodgett began to focus her research on the surface properties of glass. She developed a new method for creating thin, invisible films on glass surfaces. These films had a wide range of applications, including reducing glare, protecting glass from scratches, and improving the performance of optical devices.

Katharine Blodgett's Legacy

Katharine Blodgett died in 1979 at the age of 81. She left behind a legacy of scientific achievement that continues to inspire and inform scientists and engineers today.

Blodgett was a pioneer in the field of glass technology. Her work on invisible glass had a profound impact on the development of modern technology, and her legacy continues to inspire and inform scientists and engineers today.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Blodgett was also a dedicated mentor to young scientists. She was a strong advocate for women in science, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of women scientists.

Katharine Blodgett was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to science and technology. Her legacy continues to inspire and inform scientists and engineers today, and she serves as a role model for all who aspire to make a difference in the world.

Katharine Blodgett was a true pioneer in the field of glass technology. Her groundbreaking work on invisible glass

Katharine Blodgett and Invisible Glass (21st Century Junior Library: Women Innovators)

by Darcy Pattison

4.5 out of 5