QSL
Researcher
Aksel Cichocki
Emerging builder focused on post-quantum security, digital assets, and the product decisions required to make technical migration paths understandable and usable for real users. Industrial Engineering at UW-Madison.
Madison, WI
Mission
This lab exists to explore how modern systems can prepare for the post-quantum security transition. The research focuses on practical migration strategies, cryptographic architecture patterns, and real-world threat analysis — with particular attention to digital asset security and AI infrastructure. The goal is to produce work that is technically grounded, independently sourced, and useful to both practitioners and decision-makers.
This lab brings together research, practical tooling, and product thinking to explore how quantum-risk concepts can be translated into trustworthy user experiences.
This lab brings together research, practical tooling, and product thinking to explore how quantum-risk concepts can be translated into trustworthy user experiences.
Collaboration
This lab is built by Aksel Cichocki and has also been shaped through ongoing collaboration around product thinking, systems design, and execution.
Strategic collaboration support: Jan Cichocki.
Strategic collaboration support: Jan Cichocki.
Product Notes
A major focus of this work is not only the cryptography itself, but how users should understand exposure, evaluate tradeoffs, and move through post-quantum migration with more clarity and less friction.
This work was shaped by following the emerging post-quantum migration conversation in digital assets and trying to translate those problems into practical user-facing tools and research.
This work was shaped by following the emerging post-quantum migration conversation in digital assets and trying to translate those problems into practical user-facing tools and research.
Focus Areas
Post-Quantum Digital Assets
Bitcoin exposure research, wallet security analysis, and migration guidance
Product & UX Thinking
Trust, clarity, and decision support in high-ambiguity security environments
AI Systems
System design for technical security tools and governed AI infrastructure
Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2025 - Present
B.S. Industrial Engineering
- Star Engineering Scholarship Recipient
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity Member
- Relevant Coursework: COMP SCI 220 - Data Science Programming 1
Technical Skills
Python
pandas
SQL / SQLite
CSV / JSON
HTML Parsing
Data Visualization
Requests / APIs
Git
Projects
Quantum Security Research
Independent Research & Analysis
- Researched post-quantum cryptography standards (ML-KEM, ML-DSA, SLH-DSA) and their application to modern infrastructure
- Authored a seven-part analysis covering threat models, solution architecture, key management, AI+quantum risks, compliance, and roadmap
Digital Asset Security
Independent Research
- Personal experience trading cryptocurrencies and managing a Ledger hardware wallet
- Developed working knowledge of self-custody, wallet security, and digital-asset infrastructure
What This Lab Produces
Research Analysis
Threat models, architecture reviews, and migration assessments
Architecture Patterns
Quantum-resilient system design with crypto-agility
Practical Guides
Defense checklists and migration playbooks
Signals & Analysis
Short-form research notes on the evolving landscape
Selected Outputs
TOOLBitcoin Quantum Exposure Tester
TOOLDefense Checklist
BRIEFBitcoin Quantum Defense Brief
SIGNALCrypto-Agility Matters More Than Algorithm Choice
Related Experiment
XRP Certified Mail Experimental
A prototype exploring tamper-evident message receipt proofs on XRPL, including an experimental server-side "Quantum Shield" layer designed to examine crypto-agility under future signature risk.
This is a side experiment and not part of the site's primary Bitcoin / post-quantum migration path.
Experience
Target
2023 - Present
Technology and Fulfillment Trainer · Lakeville, MN
- Trained new employees in technology and fulfillment workflows, helping them adapt quickly to operational systems and team expectations
- Supported customers and resolved concerns professionally in a fast-paced retail environment
Starbucks
2022 - 2023
Barista Trainer · Lakeville, MN
- Trained new baristas on kiosk operations, food and beverage preparation, and service workflows
- Collaborated with team members to maintain efficiency and deliver a positive customer experience
Leadership
Lakeville North DECA
2021 - 2025
DECA Officer · Lakeville, MN
- Led and mentored 10+ members through meetings, competition preparation, and chapter activities
- Helped organize fundraising and Homecoming initiatives, strengthening chapter engagement and leadership experience
Interested in working together?
Open to internship opportunities, research collaboration, and conversations about product, UX, and practical post-quantum security.
Currently seeking internship opportunities — Summer 2026