ATHENS, AL, March 27, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Richard B. Sparks has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Sparks has established a distinguished career in nuclear power industry, currently serving as an Expert for Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineering and Human Factors Engineering (HFE) at Sargent & Lundy since 2007. In this capacity, he is responsible for reviewing design specifications for nuclear plant main control rooms, assessing new designs for small modular reactors, evaluating advanced reactor control room designs and modern upgrades and overseeing design review work across approximately a dozen nuclear plants simultaneously. His oversight ensures that all control room designs meet rigorous safety, regulatory and operational standards.

In his work, Dr. Sparks is also recognized for his expertise in bridging traditional analog control systems with advanced digital technologies, dedicating a significant portion of his time to mentoring and training the next generation of nuclear professionals. He is highly regarded for preparing young engineers to modernize plants and transition them to digital platforms, a contribution he considers among the most meaningful aspects of his career.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Sparks served as Chief I&C Engineer at Spherion in 2007, after spending five years as Senior Manager in I&C Engineering / HFE at Bechtel Power. He held the same title roles at the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1996 to 2002 and at Bechtel Power from 1991 to 1995. He also worked as a Lead I&C Design Engineer at EBASCO; Lead Computer Engineer at TVA; Senior Reactor Operator for Startup at Volt for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and an Assistant Unit Operator for TVA.

Dr. Sparks began his professional journey as a nuclear machinist mate third class in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1980. His service included foundational training through the Navy's Nuclear Power School, which provided the technical base for his subsequent career in nuclear power.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sparks has been consistently recognized as a top performer, often ranking among the highest-rated and highest-paid professionals in his division. He attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received early in his career—including guidance from an instructor whose father worked with Albert Einstein—experiences that shaped his growth and propelled him into leadership roles.

Academically, Dr. Sparks holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Factors Engineering Management from Pacific Western University, conferred in 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Science in instrumentation engineering from the same school in 1990 and an Associate of Science in mechanical engineering from Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga in 1982.
Furthering his expertise, he completed the Tennessee Valley Authority Student Power Plant Operator School in 1982 and graduated from the Navy Nuclear Power Program in 1980. Additionally, he completed coursework at Cornerstone Word of Life Bible Institute in 2025.

Dr. Sparks has further strengthened his expertise through advanced training in human factors and ergonomics, including the Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans Specialization from Arizona State University and The Limits of Human Perception. He also holds professional certifications in ergonomics, such as the Alison Workstation Ergonomics Certification and OSHA Academy Ergonomics Program Management credential, both earned in 2024. Complementing his technical qualifications, he has been a licensed minister with Gospel Ministers Christian International since 1997, reflecting a longstanding commitment to leadership and service.

Remaining abreast of new industry developments, Dr. Sparks is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. He is additionally affiliated with Gospel Ministers Christian International as a licensed minister. Civically, Dr. Sparks has served as president of Lionheart Ministries since 1997 and was senior pastor at Lionheart Christian Church from 2006 to 2019, as well as senior pastor at Southwind Christian Center from 2000 to 2006.

A prolific author, Dr. Sparks published Course Change By Outside Forces in 2021, a reflective work written during the COVID-19 pandemic that examines his upbringing in the rural South during the socially turbulent 1960s and the limited opportunities that led him to join the Navy in pursuit of education and advancement. He has also authored a broad collection of e-books exploring themes of faith, personal growth and social issues, such as Wounded Soldier, Mind Games, Healing & Miracles and Racism – The Final Conflict, among others, underscoring the range and depth of his written contributions.

Dr. Sparks credits his faith as a guiding force throughout his life and career. His spiritual foundation has provided clarity during pivotal decisions—including declining a high-paying engineering role after prayerful consideration that was later linked to tragic events—reinforcing his commitment to living by conviction and prioritizing what matters most.

In his personal life, Dr. Sparks values family deeply alongside his professional achievements. Looking towards the upcoming years, he aims to contribute significantly to bringing advanced small modular reactors online within the United States through innovative control-room and safety-system design work while supporting emerging micro-reactor projects intended for military applications. Through these efforts, he is focused on strengthening national energy infrastructure for future generations.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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