Janis Woodward

Graduate Professional Assistant

Anthropology: socio-cultural anthropology, urban anthropology, youth culture, aging, place, space, urban design, skateboarding

Hi, I'm Janis! I am currently pursuing my master's in anthropology. This fall is my final semester. My thesis focuses on the intersections of urban design, youth street skateboarding, and urban governance. My research site is located at Freedom Plaza AKA Pulaski Park in Washington, D.C. It is one of the most popular skate spots in the country, yet it is illegal to skate there. In my research, I delve into questions of belongingness and placemaking for skateboarders in these city spaces. I also examine how urban governance and hostile architecture might impact youth mobility in public spaces.

I am also the part-time undergraduate academic advisor for Global Affairs. If your last name starts with T-Z, please feel free to schedule an advising meeting with me through Navigate or by email: jwoodwa6@gmu.edu.

Have a happy semester!