Hank Hammer is a graduate research assistant in the QLiC! Lab. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 with a BS in Physics (honors) and Mathematics with highest distinction. As an undergraduate he was awarded the James A. Van Allen Award for his research in the QLiC! Lab studying the effect of core geometry on spatial-encoded quantum information transfer via a multimode fiber using feedback-based wavefront shaping techniques. Now as a graduate student, his current research interests include the simulation, nanofabrication and spectroscopy of multilayer photonic nanostructures for applications in quantum technologies including quantum repeaters and telecom-band single-photon sources. He hopes to utilize the skillset gained from his PhD to launch a career focused around researching and developing efficient hardware for photonics and quantum technological applications. Outside of lab, he enjoys watching the Iowa Hawkeyes football team, skiing, hiking, running and listening to electronic music.