Katharine Burr Blodgett was born in Schenectady, New York, a location that would later become central to her professional life. Her father, George Reddington Blodgett, was a patent attorney for General Electric. Sadly, he was murdered in their home when Katharine was just nine years old, marking a significant turning point early in her life.

Following her father's death, Katharine and her family moved to France for several years, where she received early education. She later attended a private school in New York City. These early experiences broadened her horizons and exposed her to diverse cultures, likely fostering her curiosity and intellectual development.

Katharine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Bryn Mawr College. During a visit to the General Electric research laboratory with her brother, she met Irving Langmuir, whose research on surface films inspired her and shaped her future scientific pursuits.

Following Langmuir's advice, Blodgett enrolled at the University of Chicago and earned her Master of Science degree in Physics in 1918. Her thesis, focusing on the adsorption of gases on charcoal, laid the groundwork for her later research on surface films.

Katharine Blodgett joined General Electric as a research scientist, becoming the first woman to hold such a position at the company. She began working closely with Irving Langmuir, continuing her studies of surface chemistry.

Blodgett earned her Ph.D. in Physics from Cambridge University in 1926, becoming only the second woman to achieve this honor in physics at Cambridge. Her research focused on the behavior of electrons in mercury vapor, furthering her understanding of atomic and molecular interactions.

Katharine Blodgett's most significant achievement came in 1935 with her invention of non-reflective glass, often referred to as "invisible" glass. She developed a method to deposit thin films of barium stearate onto glass surfaces, reducing light reflection and improving visibility. This innovation revolutionized optics and had applications ranging from eyeglasses and camera lenses to submarine periscopes and projector slides.

During World War II, Blodgett's non-reflective glass played a crucial role in military applications, including submarine periscopes, aerial reconnaissance cameras, and rangefinders. Her invention significantly improved the effectiveness of these technologies and contributed to the Allied war effort.

Following the war, Blodgett continued her research at General Electric, securing several more patents for her inventions, including color gauges for measuring the thickness of thin films. She was also involved in community service and scientific outreach, inspiring future generations of scientists.

Katharine Burr Blodgett passed away in Schenectady, New York, at the age of 81. Her legacy as a pioneering scientist and inventor continues to inspire, and her contributions to the field of surface chemistry have had a lasting impact on various technologies.