Will Lancer, a junior at Stony Brook University double majoring in physics and mathematics, has been named the URECA researcher of the month for June. Lancer has been engaged in experimental high-energy physics research with the ATLAS group, working under Assistant Professor Hannah Arnold from the Department of Physics and Astronomy since January 2025.
Lancer received a 2025 URECA fellowship, which allowed him to participate in a 10-week summer research program. He highlighted the benefits of conducting research over the summer, stating: “The summer is such an incredible time to do research because it lets you make massive gains in research while not sacrificing your coursework. I think it’s so useful to have a summer research program like URECA because you can progress your research abilities and careers in a safe, protected environment without sacrificing any of the coursework. It’s the perfect environment!”
His current research centers on studying the ttH(->cc) decay process, which involves analyzing how a Higgs particle produced with two top quarks decays into two charm quarks. For this work, he utilizes tools such as ROOT, C++, and machine learning for data analysis.
Lancer has also completed several graduate-level courses, including Classical Electrodynamics and Quantum Field Theory I, and undertook independent reading courses guided by Professor Martin Roček to strengthen his background in theoretical physics.
Beyond his research activities, Lancer is active on campus as a member of the Stony Brook Society of Physics Students—where he writes problems for their “Problem of the Week”—as well as participating in both the Stony Brook Math Club and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club.
For more insights into his experience, readers are encouraged to consult the full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan.
