Paul Thompson Full Interview

Paul Thompson's father and brother are engineers, so it is not surprising that he studied Engineering Mathematics with the Nuclear Science Option at Queen's. His first job was with the Mississauga office of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL), in the Safety Analysis Branch, starting roughly at the time of the Three Mile Island accident. At the time, Pickering B, Gentilly-2 and Point Lapreau were being constructed and Bruce B was being designed. was under construction. He realized the importance of teamwork in achieving safety by eliminating cracks between disciplines and strove to be successful co-ordinating teams. An early mentor helped him become "street smart", to have his ideas and initiatives accepted by management – to become an "influencer". He tried to emulate the good aspects of his bosses and stay clear of the less successful aspects – and to develop skill in verbal and written communication, and listening. In 1986 he joined New Brunswick Power, where he managed nuclear safety before becoming involved with the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. He was pleased that, at the time of the accident at Fukushima, NB Power had already developed a response to the unit losing all power for several days. His future interests and projects may include exploring the "potential merging and applications between nuclear and hydrogen." . Finally, heHis first job offers advice to high-school students interested in careers in engineering and newly graduated Engineers-in-Training.