Aimie Grant

Final Year Cybersecurity & Forensics Student

About

Personal Background

I grew up in a small coastal village in Scotland and now study Cybersecurity & Forensics in Edinburgh. I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially after discovering the story behind the Enigma machine, which sparked my interest in encryption and real-world tech systems. Outside of uni, I love snowboarding, photography, and music. You’ll usually find me with a camera, a guitar in hand, playing piano, relaxing by the beach, or planespotting. I’m especially drawn to aviation and defence, and long-term, I hope to work in roles at the intersection of aerospace and technology, contributing to systems that make a real-world impact.

2025

ENUSEC CTF - 4th Place

Competed as part of a team, solving challenges in forensics, cryptography, and web exploitation.

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University Award – Best Work Placement Student

Won my university’s 2025 placement award for my work at Boeing, presented by the Principal.

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Invited to UK Foreign Office

Invited to network with cyber leaders at the FCDO, BT, and BAE Systems.

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Cyber Leaders Challenge – National Finalist

Reached the National Finals at BT Tower, working on real-world cyber strategy scenarios.

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Entrepreneurship Bootcamp – Munich, Germany

Completed a startup-focused bootcamp in Germany, pitched a software business idea with international teams.

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Formula Student Driverless (FS-AI)

Developing autonomous perception systems for the upcoming Silverstone competition and presenting on cyber risks in Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

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Saltire Scholar – Selected Candidate

Grateful to have been chosen for a prestigious overseas internship in Canada, but had to step back for medical reasons.

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Les Deux Alpes Snowsports Trip

Represented my university on a memorable trip to the French Alps, learning to snowboard and meeting others.

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Cyber Leaders Challenge – Regional Qualifiers

Qualified for the national finals after advancing through regional qualifying.

2024

IT Help Desk – Edinburgh Napier University

Began part-time technical support role for staff and students across the university’s computing systems.

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Cybersecurity in Fintech – Conference

Attended a FinTech innovation event exploring blockchain trends and secure payment technologies.

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Completed Internship in Melbourne, Australia

Worked across development and cyber security. Highlights included providing phishing training, pentesting as well as working with AWS systems, particularly including algorithms with the AWS Panorama. Outside of work, I experienced local culture through things like vineyard tours, paragliding, and meeting kangaroos and koalas.

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Vantage Data Centre Visit – Newport

Visited one of Europe’s most secure data centres in Newport, observing high-assurance physical and cyber security practices first-hand.

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Lloyds Banking Group SOC Visit – Edinburgh

Visited the Security Operations Centre to observe real-world incident response and threat intelligence practices.

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Boeing Defence UK – Cyber Security Team

Worked in an X-listed facility alongside engineers to manage and mitigate vulnerabilities, led vulnerability management boards, and collaborated with Boeing Defence Australia on secure system operations.

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BSides Cheltenham – Cybersecurity Conference

Engaged in technical talks and networking with cyber professionals in the UK public and private sector.

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Awarded Scrum Master Certification

Gained industry-recognised certification and applied SAFe Agile practices to cross-functional team environments.

2023

RAF Benson Friends & Family Day – Boeing Intern

Volunteered at a Royal Air Force base, supporting outreach and public engagement in a secure military setting.

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Royal Aeronautical Society

Attended a national conference for early-career professionals, featuring expert talks on aerospace, aerodynamics, and engineering innovation. Speakers included leaders from the Aston Martin Formula One Team, offering insights into aerodynamics at the intersection of motorsport and aviation.

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Boeing Defence UK – Data Services Team

Split between Agile development and database administration, delivering ERDs and support for Ministry of Defence systems.

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Invited to Present at a Secondary School

Delivered a careers talk on aerospace for secondary school students in Hampshire.

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Private Pilot Training – Ongoing

Continued working toward my Private Pilot’s Licence, gaining flight experience alongside academic and industry commitments.

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Completed STEMAspire & Dell Mentorship Programme

Worked across development and cyber security. Highlights included providing phishing training, pentesting as well as working with AWS systems, particularly including algorithms with the AWS Panorama. Outside of work, I experienced local culture through things like vineyard tours, paragliding, and meeting kangaroos and koalas.

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University of St Andrews – Short Courses

Completed academic short courses alongside placement, including end-to-end machine learning and security topics.

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Royal International Air Tattoo – RAF Fairford

Represented Boeing at one of the world’s largest military airshows, engaging with aviation professionals.

Industry & Professionals

“Your dedication to continuous learning is commendable. I'm sure you'll continue to excel.”

— Dan Goldin, 9th NASA Chief

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“It's just incredible and inspiring what you've been able to achieve this past year. You're a high-flyer!”

— Michael McLellan, Director of Data Protection, Morgan Stanley

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“This young lady is an inspiration. Despite some difficult circumstances she has totally applied herself and continues to succeed.”

— Conrad Ritchie, Chairman

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“Your contribution, enthusiasm and teamwork allowed the day to operate smoothly and successfully.”

— James Bell, Boeing

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Academic Recognition

“We have truly amazing students and great to see industry integration. Our students continually impress me with their confidence, drive and purpose.”

— Prof Bill Buchanan OBE FRSE

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“You are a shining example of what is possible from the placement process.”

— Chris Harris, Placement Coordinator, Edinburgh Napier University

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“You are fantastic ambassadors for Napier.”

— Heather Allan, Placements Adviser, University of Edinburgh

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“An ambitious Cybersecurity and Forensics student who combined a lifelong passion for technology and aviation to win the top prize after impressing judges with a standout case study on her year-long internship at Boeing Defence UK.”

— Edinburgh Napier University, Official LinkedIn