My name is Autumn Bamford and I am a quantum cybersecurity nerd. And proud.

Okay okay, but the actually important bits:

I am a BSc Computer Science student at the University of Leicester who has completed a placement as an Electromagnetic Software Engineer at BAE Systems and a NCFE Level 2 certification in the Principles of Cyber Security. I was also shortlisted as one of The Most Inspirational Women in Cyber 2025.

At my placement, I was also a Quantum Imaging researcher, and a PM for an In-Orbit Satellite project. It was the aforementioned quantum imaging research that re-sparked my childhood obsession with quantum.

Outside of any studying or work I do, I am also the Founder and President of CyberWomen@Leicester, an initiative that aims to uplift female and non-binary students who want to learn cybersecurity at the University of Leicester. For the past year I have worked alongside companies such as IBM and CGI to create Capture-The-Flag (CTF) events, hackathons, and presentations to fill the lack of cybersecurity education.

In my personal time, I like to be as far away from my computer as possible. Not very fitting, I know, but my eyesight is bad enough as is, and at this rate I’ll be blind 15 years into a job. My personal hobbies include sewing, reading books, going to the gym, and the occasional cross stitch if I truly want to feel like a grandma. If I’m not at home, you will most definitely find me holed up in a café!