Occupation: Expert for Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineering and Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
Company: Sargent & Lundy
Born: Anniston, Alabama
Education:
Coursework, Cornerstone Word of Life Bible Institute (2025)
PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Pacific Western University (1993)
BS in Instrumentation Engineering, Pacific Western University (1990)
AS in Mechanical Engineering, Chattanooga State Community College (1982)
Coursework, Student Power Plant Operator School, Tennessee Valley Authority (1982)
Coursework, Navy Nuclear Power Program (1980)
Certifications:
Certification, “Human Factors and Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans Specialization,” Arizona State University (2026); Certification, “What Is the Human Factor in Design,” Arizona State University (2026); Certification, “The Limits of Human Perception,” Arizona State University (2026); Disability Assessment Certification, Alison (2025); Workstation Ergonomics Certification, Alison (2024); Certification, Ergonomics Program Management, OSHAcademy (2024); Licensed Minister, Gospel Ministers Christian International (1997)
Career:
Expert for IE5203 Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Process Owner, Sargent & Lundy (2022-Present)
Expert – HFE and I&C Engineering, Sargent & Lundy (2022-2023)
Senior Manager, Sargent & Lundy (2007-2022)
Chief I&C Engineer, Spherion (2007)
Senior Manager, I&C Engineering/HFE, Bechtel Power (2002-2007)
Senior I&C Project Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority (1996-2002)
Senior Manager, I&C Design Engineering, Bechtel Power (1991-1995)
Lead I&C Design Engineer, EBASCO (1987-1991)
Lead Computer Engineer, Tennessee Valley Authority (1987)
Senior Reactor Operator for Startup, Volt, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (1985-1986)
Assistant Unit Operator, Tennessee Valley Authority (1981-1985)
Career Related:
Expert for Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineering and Human Factors Engineering (HFE), Sargent & Lundy (2007-Present)
Military:
E-4, Nuclear Machinist Mate 3rd Class, U.S. Navy (1978-1980)
Civic:
President, Lionheart Ministries (1997-Present); Senior Pastor, Lionheart Christian Church (2006-2019); Senior Pastor, Southwind Christian Center (2000-2006)
Creative Works:
Author, “Course Change by Outside Forces” (2021); E-Book Author, “Wounded Soldier” (2015); E-Book Author, “Devils Know Your Enemy” (2015); E-Book Author, “Angry – What Direction Do I Turn?” (2015); E-Book Author, “Alee – A Place in the Storm” (2015); E-Book Author, “At Thy Right Hand” (2015); E-Book Author, “Christian Basic Training” (2015); E-Book Author, “Seeking Peace – Is It Out There?” (2015); E-Book Author, “Understanding Our Relationships – Defining Marriage Roles” (2015); “Mind Games” (2015); E-Book Author, “A Christian Battle Plan to Defeat the Devil” (2015); E-Book Author, “Putting Away the Old Life” (2015); E-Book Author, “Healing and Miracles” (2015); E-Book Author, “Racism – The Final Conflict” (2015); E-Book Author, “Unite for Might” (2015); E-Book Author, “Christian Giving – How to Tithe and Give Offerings” (2015)
Awards:
Honoree, Veterans Hometown Hero for Oxford, Alabama (2025)
Memberships:
Member, The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama (2025-Present); Member, American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) (2023-Present); Licensed Minister, Gospel Ministers Christian International (1997-Present); Member, Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (1990-Present)
Religion:
Christian
Family:
Son of C.E. Sparks and Irene Williams Sparks
Married: Sheila Ray Sparks
Child: Telitha Sparks Castleberry
Two Grandchildren
Four Siblings
Hobbies:
Disabled (in a wheelchair for about eight years); Spending time with family; Used to be a referee in high school wrestling teams