Lili Bleeker
Caroline Emilie "Lili" Bleeker (17 January 1897–12 November 1985) was a Dutch physicist known for her work on the design and production of scientific instruments.
Early life and education
Bleeker attended Lange Sint high school in Pietersstraat, Middelburg, the Netherlands. Because her mother discouraged her from continuing her studies, she taught at a secondary school to pay her way at the University of Utrecht, where she received her Ph.D. in 1928 with her thesis on alkaloid spectra.[1]
Career
After receiving her degree, Bleeker opened a factory for the construction of scientific and optical equipment. During World War II, her factory was closed down after she was discovered to be working with the Dutch resistance. After the war, she opened a new factory, which was the first to make the phase contrast microscope invented by Frits Zernike.[1]
Awards and honors
- There is a building at Utrecht University named after Bleeker[1]