Katharine Burr Blodgett: A Trailblazer in Science
Katharine Burr Blodgett was born into a family with a tragic past, but she defied the expectations of her upbringing as an upper-middle-class girl to make chemistry and physics the center of her life. Her early years were marked by a deep interest in European languages and a progressive education at a school for girls in New York City and later at Bryn Mawr, a women’s college. Despite seeming destined for a career at the General Electric Company’s industrial research lab, Blodgett first had to prove herself at the University of Chicago during World War I, where she worked on improving lifesaving gas masks.
Blodgett’s journey into the world of science began at a young age, fueled by her mother’s ambition for her children to excel academically. She was exposed to different cultures and languages through early travels to Europe, which laid the foundation for her later success in the male-dominated field of science. At Bryn Mawr, she thrived in a rigorous academic environment that encouraged women to pursue scientific inquiry and experimentation.
One of Blodgett’s mentors at Bryn Mawr was Professor James Barnes, who recognized her exceptional talent and advocated for her success in the field of physics. Blodgett’s academic achievements were complemented by her involvement in extracurricular activities, including managing the track team, playing water polo, and participating in the college’s chess tournament. Her well-rounded education prepared her for a future in science that would have a lasting impact on the field.
After graduating from Bryn Mawr, Blodgett pursued a master’s degree in physics at the University of Chicago, where she conducted research on gas mask filters during World War I. Her groundbreaking work on the adsorption of gases by charcoal laid the foundation for advancements in filter design that improved the protection of soldiers from chemical warfare.
Upon completing her studies, Blodgett was offered a position at the General Electric Research Lab in Schenectady, New York. She quickly impressed her colleagues with her scientific acumen and was instrumental in developing non-reflecting glass, a significant innovation that revolutionized the production of museum glass, camera lenses, and eyeglasses.
Despite working in the shadow of her colleague Irving Langmuir, a Nobel laureate, Blodgett’s contributions to material science were groundbreaking and far-reaching. Her pioneering work on thin films and coatings paved the way for developments in nanotechnology and electronics, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of science.
In conclusion, Katharine Burr Blodgett’s remarkable journey from a young girl with a passion for languages to a trailblazing scientist in the field of physics and chemistry is a testament to her determination and intellect. Her groundbreaking research and innovative discoveries have left an indelible mark on the world of science, and her story serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists.
