About Us

We are a group of students and enthusiasts in undergraduate quantum computing clubs at several universities, including Stanford, Yale, Duke, and Berkeley. We were founded in 2020 as a partnership between Stanford and Yale to host the first QC Hack 2021. In addition to QC Hack 2022, be on the lookout for future speaker series and other events! 

Hackathon Leadership

Ben McDonough
Co-Director

Ben (He/Him) is a sophomore in the class of 2024. Ben is a physics major with interests in quantum information theory and fundamental quantum physics. He values quantum information science as a method for investigating some of the strangest fundamental properties of nature, and he feels drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the quantum community. Ben has conducted research into quantum error correcting protocols, and is investigating quantum algorithms with the Fermilab SMQS program in the summer of 2022. Ben's favorite aspect of the Quantum Coalition is the focus on peer support and community building. He loves rock climbing and playing the flute, and he is excited for QC Hack 2022!

Maryann Benny Fernandes
Co-Director

Maryann Benny Fernandes (she/her) is a first-year master's student in electrical engineering at Stanford University. She is passionate about space communication and has expertise in Antenna designing. She is also the Chief Hackathon Director for the Stanford Quantum Computing Association.

In her free time, she plays the piano, ukelele, and basketball. She also does like writing letters and poems. She calls Mumbai, India her hometown.

Wyatt Kremer
Partnerships Director

Intensive Physics, Class of 2024 Wyatt Kremer (he/his) is a sophomore Intensive Physics major with broad interests in AMO and quantum many-body systems. He is super excited to be joining the YuQC board and to foster the connection between industry and academia as the Director of Partnerships alongside the QCHack team. Beyond physics, Wyatt loves to explore the wonders of Middle Egyptian hieroglyphic and spend time with his friends.

Yale Wang
Events & Partnerships

Yale (he/him) is a 2nd year undergraduate at Stanford University studying Electrical Engineering. He is the team lead of SQCA's Hackathon team. For QCHack, he oversees Events & Partnerships.

Richard Li
Technical Director

Richard (he/him) is a senior at Yale University majoring in Physics (Int.) with a keen interest in quantum information science. He is currently conducting research under Professor Steven Girvin. In his free time, he likes to play soccer, watch YouTube videos, and learn the guitar.

Jyoti Rani
Community Chair

Jyoti (she/her) is a freshman in UC Berkeley's Management Entrepreneurship & Technology program in the class of 2025 majoring in Electrical Engineering + Computer Science (EECS) & Business. She has interests in quantum machine learning, chemistry, & error correction. Last summer, she was in the Applications team at IonQ. For Quantum Computing @ Berkeley (QC@B), she serves as External Vice President & Liaison to the Quantum Coalition. In her free time, Jyoti loves to explore a new place outdoors, sing, and meditate.

Victor Li
Outreach coordinator

Co-president of Quantum Computing @ Berkeley. Previously at AWS IoT, NASA Quantum AI Lab.

Sarah Pentzke
Outreach coordinator

Sarah (she/her) is a sophomore physics major at Yale. She is enthusiastic about studying the intricacies of physics and loves to spread an appreciation for STEM however she can. Sarah is also passionate about the use of ham radio for space communications and other ventures in science as the project leader of the Yale Space Station.

In her free time she likes to play video games, practice the flute, and is an avid movie fan.

Rome Thorstenson
Website & Design

Rome (he/him) is a first-year at Yale with ambitions of computer science but a love of philosophy. He is thrilled to contribute to QCHack and learn from the incredible community of peers and mentors in the field. Besides exploring the applications of quantum computing, Rome spends his time telling stories.

Nikhil Harle
Advisor

Nikhil (he/him/his) is a junior studying Intensive Physics at Yale. He directed the 2021 QC Hack as YuQC’s Director of Hacking last year. His research interests include implementing topological modes on superconducting quantum devices and magnetic frustration in artificial spin ice.