Don has over 30 years experience in developing and commercializing lasers, optical communications, data storage, displays, and medical devices as a researcher, an entrepreneur, and a senior executive. In addition, he has extensive experience in engineering management, product development, defining business strategies, and creating new technology ventures.
Don received S.B. and S.M. degrees in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from Yale University in laser physics. He did post-doctoral research in liquid crystals at Harvard University.
He joined RCA Laboratories (later Sarnoff Corporation), first as member of the technical staff and then as manager of an R&D group in optoelectronic devices and systems. During this period, was recognized for important contributions in the development of semiconductor diode lasers and optical storage. He chaired the International Conference on Optical Memory in 1993 as well as presiding over numerous other technical conferences. At Sarnoff, he also managed R&D groups and programs in displays, luminescent materials, and MEMS.
Don has also provided senior management leadership at Optex Communications, which developed optical storage for video applications, Melcor, a manufacturer of thermoelectric devices and systems, CardioVascular Solutions, which developed devices for accurate placement of stents in coronary arteries, and Conversus Group, a business consultancy that improves the performance of small and mid-sized companies.
Don is an inventor on six US patents and has authored or co-authored over 25 publications.