MPR Associates Inc., is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Dr. Douglas M. Chapin, esteemed and admired former Principal Officer of MPR where his career spanned five decades. Dr. Chapin, a luminary in the field of nuclear engineering, passed away May 3, 2024. His legacy and profound contributions to MPR and the nuclear industry will forever be remembered.
Dr. Chapin's career was marked by groundbreaking contributions in the realms of nuclear power plant design, construction, operation, safety, and instrumentation and control systems. His impacts were especially felt shaping the direction of design, deployment, and utilization of advanced nuclear technology. His relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence provided outsized benefits to the US and worldwide nuclear energy industries.
Dr. Chapin’s nuclear career started in 1962 as an officer in the US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program. His abilities were soon recognized, and he was assigned to Admiral Rickover’s Headquarters Organization, Naval Reactors, as an engineer where he made influential contributions to the design and deployment of nuclear surface ships and submarines. In addition to supporting the operational fleet, during his time with Admiral Rickover, Dr. Chapin led electrical and instrumentation and control systems for the world’s first deep diving research submarine, the NR-1.
After leaving the Navy, Dr. Chapin joined MPR and quickly leveraged his experience and insights to make large contributions to support the maturing commercial nuclear power program in the US. A priority of Dr. Chapin’s was to bring the culture of excellence and accountability from the Naval Reactors Program to MPR. His values and his leadership helped to shape MPR’s impacts and success over his decades with the firm. His technical expertise and insight benefited numerous clients and industries, and his input and support were routinely sought by industry leaders addressing their most important and challenging initiatives, opportunities, and problems.
During his distinguished tenure with MPR, Dr. Chapin received countless accolades for his achievements. In 2002, Dr. Chapin was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in recognition of his contributions to improvements in design of nuclear reactors, a recognition for which he was especially proud. In 2014, he was honored with the prestigious Don Miller Award from the American Nuclear Society (ANS) in recognition of his lifelong dedication to advancing instrumentation and control systems in nuclear energy.
In addition to his achievements at MPR, Dr. Chapin was deeply committed to serving the broader scientific and engineering communities. He served as technical expert for the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and chairman of the National Research Council’s Board on Energy and Environmental Systems. In these roles, his visionary leadership shaped the direction of energy policy and research initiatives for the nation. Dr. Chapin leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.
“MPR would not be what MPR is today without the contributions and leadership of Doug Chapin,” Bob Coward, MPR Principal Officer said. “We value his friendship and his impact as a leader, partner, and teacher, he will be missed.”
MPR extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Chapin's family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy and passion for excellence continues to drive MPR today.