BASc, MA, PhD, DEng, DSc
4T9 Engineering Physics
Inducted: 1988
Donald Chisholm’s early professional career was in research with the Ontario Research Foundation, and then with Bell Telephone Laboratory in New Jersey, where he became Director. In 1976, he was appointed Executive Vice-President of Technology, Northern Telecom, and then President, Innovation and Technology, Northern Telecom Ltd. He played an important role as Founding President in establishing the Bell Northern Research Centre near Ottawa.
As President, Innovation and Technology at Northern Telecom Ltd., Donald gained an enviable international reputation for technological leadership and innovation.
His contributions have been acknowledged throughout the years: Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (1968) and Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (1983); Honourary Doctorates at University of Waterloo (1979), University of Toronto (1980) and University of Quebec (1983). His public service contributions include executive committee work with the Science Council of Canada and the Ontario Research Foundation.
Achievements
- Development of microwave electron tube
- Director of Bell Labs, New Jersey
- President, Bell-Northern Research
- President, Innovations and Development, Northern Telecom
- Responsibility for systems engineering, NASA Apollo projects