Donald B. Keck (born January 2, 1941) is an American research physicist and engineer most noted for his involvement in developing low-loss optical fiber.
Keck spent his professional career at Corning, Inc., where he eventually held the position of Vice President and Technology Director of Optical Physics, during which time he guided the company into the field of photonics.
After receiving his Ph.D., Keck accepted an offer from Corning, moved to New York, and began work as a senior research scientist on the project in January 1968.
Immediately after his retirement, Keck helped establish the Infotonics Technology Center in Canandaigua (town), New York, a collaborative organization between private industry and government focused on photonics and nanotechnology innovation.
Due to his expertise in both photonics and research management, he was elected the first chief technology officer of Infotonics, a position he held briefly.
He has two adult children, both of whom are also involved in technological fields: Lynne Vaia, a civil engineer, and Brian Keck, a software expert.
He is involved in local philanthropy in Corning, holding board membership for the American Red Cross, the Community Foundation, and the Science Center.
Keck's alma mater, Michigan State University, named him a Distinguished Alumnus, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute granted him an honorary degree in 2004.
Also in 1993, Keck was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering for invention and development of manufacturing methods of low-attenuation glass fibers for optical communication.
Their award citation read: "Their invention has enabled the telecommunications revolution, rapidly transformed our society, the way we work, learn and live – and our expectations for the future.