Awardees

It’s so easy to make things accessible, but so many people don’t make the effort. I want to use my skills to do good for other people. Receiving the bursary means I have a lot more security now, and I don’t have to take on as much other work to support my studies.

I found out I’d got the bursary on the same day that I found out I got my first choice for university, so it was a great day! I ran to tell my Mum as she’s always been pushing me on to succeed, and I loved how proud it made her.

I always found technology and computer science really interesting, but I never thought I could turn it into a career path. It was my A-level Computing teacher who pushed me and made me realise that I wanted to study it at university.

I’ve never had the financial means to invest in myself, so the bursary will allow me to buy the right equipment needed to succeed at university, as well as funding trips to important conferences.

I want to use scientific knowledge to make a positive impact on people and the environment, as well as empowering women in STEM. I was shocked when I found out I got the bursary — I ran straight to my mum to tell her!

There’s so much information in the world and there’s always something new to learn. Higher education should be for everyone, not just the privileged, so it gives me hope that there are companies like Amazon who are willing to provide that help.

The funding has enabled me to do so much. I no longer have to scrimp and save, and I get to experience university life fully. I’m incredibly tenacious and stubborn, so someone could tell me ‘No, you’re not doing it, and I’ll say ‘Yes, watch me’.

I was thrilled to receive the bursary — I’m so glad I get to have this opportunity. I’d love to work for a big company like Amazon!

Technology can be used across many different mediums, from art and engineering to fashion and music. There are so many possibilities yet to be explored. Getting the bursary showed me that I have it in me to carry out my dreams and ambitions.

I’ve always wanted to go to university, but I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. I’m so grateful for the bursary — I want to build a great career and have something to my name, and I know my degree will help me achieve that.

Receiving the bursary is life-changing! It will help to cover my university costs and provide invaluable networking opportunities, connecting me with potential mentors and like-minded students who share my passions.

I enjoy computer science because I like solving problems and figuring out how to help people. I also want to inspire other girls to take an interest in computer science – if I can do it, they can too. I was thrilled to receive the bursary! It’ll alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

I have always had a deep interest in computers and technology. With the support of the Amazon bursary, I can access hardware required for my course and improve my knowledge with further research that might otherwise be quite costly.

If I could work on something that slowed climate change or helped with renewable energy that would be my dream.

I was inspired to study computer science at a higher level by my mum, a former programming lecturer, and my teacher at college who showed me how engaging the subject is and the endless career possibilities.

With the Amazon Future Engineer Bursary, I have support to extend my studies and the means to invest in further training and courses. I aspire to build a career where my work has true value and can level the playing field for others.

I’d love to work in an academic research role so I can continue expanding my horizons, perhaps even becoming a professor one day. This bursary will support me financially so I can get there!

I have always been fascinated by how you can make complicated things through simple methods. I dream of starting my own software engineering company. I am so glad I persevered as a young girl studying STEM.

I started programming my first computer game at 12. A career working in website design allows me to use my creative design and programming skills together.

I would love to work in cyber forensics or make disability aids. I was a young carer and looked after my parents and two siblings before I came to university, so I saw how beneficial that work can be.

I’ve wanted to study computer science since my brother showed me it during my GCSEs. I want to go straight into a masters, and then a PhD next, my dream career would be in artificial intelligence.

I dream of becoming a software engineer and would love to go into artificial intelligence as I believe it has the capacity to be a force for change

Being the only girl studying computer science in my high school I had no women role models. I want to be an advocate for women in STEM.

Imagining a career working for the F1 Championships excites me; I would not have been able to give it a thought if I were not pursuing a STEM degree at university.

Growing up in southern Italy, there wasn’t a lot of access to subjects like computer science. Being able to pursue this passion in university with the support of the AFE bursary has been fantastic.

"When I was younger, I enjoyed being in a workshop and building things - it made me realise that I really enjoyed STEM subjects. Having the support to pursue those is a dream come true.”

"I’m a young black girl, and sometimes it can feel like the odds are against me in this industry. A lot of people might doubt me, but I think I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

"When I think of my future in computer science, I see myself happily coding away on a project, wrestling with error messages, and enjoying solving digital problems! I’m excited to keep learning and progressing towards that goal."

Born in Kirkaldy and raised in Dunfermline, Kirsty excelled at school: she took up coding in her spare time, teaching herself Python at 13 years old, and did coding as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award

Finlay's chosen degree course combines her two favourite subjects: physics and computer science. “At college I studied computer science, maths and physics. I always loved physics, it just clicked for me, but as I got older I learned to love maths too!”

Growing up in Cornwall, Neve Hoccom knew from an early age what she wanted to do after her talent for programming was spotted by a teacher at the age of 12.

Eleanor MacCarthy is a first-year student at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she is combining her love of art and coding.

Vanessa Neboh was born in Germany and raised in Manchester. In school she excelled at maths and loved problem-solving, while at home her love for technology was sparked by an informal role as household tech support.

Born and raised in Tower Hamlets, Sadia is also a talented visual artist and is passionate about the environment, technology and art; “Computing and creativity are much closer than people realise – a technology career can be full of creativity!"