Bio
As a Systems Engineer for the Research Reactors Division in the Neutron Sciences Directorate at ORNL, Mr. Sparks is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This 85MW reactor is the highest flux reactor-based source of neutrons for research in the United States, and it provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world, enabling world-class capabilities for neutron scattering, isotope production, materials irradiation, neutron activation analysis, and nuclear physics.
Jake came to ORNL in 2022 and serves as a Fuel and Core Components Fabrication Engineer. In this position, he is responsible for supporting the manufacture of fuel elements and other core components to ensure they meet requirements for successful operation of the HFIR. Jake came to ORNL with over 15 years of experience as a manufacturing engineer, with experience in the manufacture of aerospace and automotive components as well as cryogenic/scientific equipment.
Mr. Sparks holds a B.S. in Physics from Centre College and a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.