Peter Horvath, associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, has been named academic director for the Research Exploration Academy.

His three-year term begins this fall.

Horvath succeeds James Jensen, professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, who served as academic director of the academy for five years.

The Research Exploration Academy guides undergraduate students during their research endeavors and connects students with opportunities and faculty in their fields of interest.

The other Undergraduates Academies are Civic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Global Perspectives and Sustainability.

Under Jensen’s direction, the Research Exploration Academy introduced more than 500 students to research methods and helped more than 120 students conduct their first college-level research projects.

“I am forever in debt to the students, faculty and staff of the academies for what we have built together,” says Jensen. “The academies are a unique part of UB that allows students to develop and explore multiple perspectives on their majors, other passions and friendships. I’m thrilled that Professor Peter Horvath will carry this on.”

Hadar Borden, administrative director of the Undergraduate Academies, says that Jensen “always carried the academies flag on campus.”

“He was a real leader among the academic directors and because he’s so involved on campus, he served as the liaison between all the programs related to research,” Borden adds.