Atomic Technical Institute

Dr. Paul Nims, Ph.D., CSP, CHST

Founder and Lead Professor

DrNims@atomictechnicalinstitute.com

Bio

About the Founder Dr. Paul Nims, CSP, CHST leads the efforts at the Atomic Technical Institute (ATI). He brings over 17 years of experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, health physics (radiation protection), and risk management across private industry, construction, manufacturing, utilities, and Department of Energy (DOE) environments. Dr Nims is also a full time professor at Columbia Southern University teaching multiple classes and serves as a doctoral chair.

Professional Background

Throughout his career, Dr. Nims has held a wide range of leadership and technical roles, including:

Safety Director

Safety Engineer

EHS Manager

Risk Manager

Industrial Hygienist

Health Physicist

Radiological Control Technician

Safety Specialist

This diverse experience allows him to offer a well-rounded, practical approach to workplace safety and risk management.

CSP Badge

CHST Badge

Education

  • Dr. Nims holds multiple academic degrees and professional diplomas, earned with distinction:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial Hygiene

  • Master’s in Safety & Health with Environmental Management

  • Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management

  • Graduate Certificate in Industrial Hygiene Management

  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health – Summa Cum Laude, Alpha Sigma Pi Honor Society

  • Associate of Science in Occupational Safety and Health

  • Associate of Arts in General Studies

  • Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health

Certifications

  • Dr. Nims is a Board-Certified Safety Professional (BCSP), holding credentials that represent the highest standards in the field:

  • CSP – Certified Safety Professional (BCSP “Gold Standard”)

  • CHST – Construction Health and Safety Technician

  • (Former) ASP – Associate Safety Professional

  • AHERA Asbestos Inspector

  • ANSI 3.1 HPT/RCT – Health Physics Technician / Radiological Control Technician

  • NIOSH 582 – Sampling and Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Fibers

  • OSHA 500, 501, 511, and OSHA 30-Hour

  • Radiological Control/Protection Technician

Memberships

  • ​​​Professional Memberships & Honors. Dr. Nims has been recognized for his academic excellence and leadership potential through induction into several national honor societies:

  • The National Society of Leadership and Success (Alpha Sigma Pi) — Awarded for exceptional academic performance (Summa Cum Laude) and leadership potential.

  • Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society — A doctoral-level national honor recognizing academic excellence and distinction.​

Courses taught

  • All ATI Courses