Josephine Godwyll

Josephine Godwyll is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation, University of Alberta, leading the Justice in Environments of Leisure Lab (JELL). Her research connects United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with equity in recreation access through geospatial science and environmental justice frameworks. She focuses on overcoming barriers in physical spaces (parks, stadiums) and digital environments (video games), emphasizing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace and Justice).

Her work addresses recreation access challenges for marginalized groups, including low-income populations, people with disabilities, and BIPOC communities. Key projects include the "Colour in Green" urban tree-planting initiative with Edmonton's Open Spaces Directorate and partnerships with newcomer agencies like Action for Healthy Communities. She developed a spatial justice framework for recreation accessibility, influencing the "Greener As We Grow" initiative to plant two million trees.

Josephine investigates connections between Indigenous leisure practices and climate resilience, advocating for non-Western approaches to environmental adaptation. Her research spans spatial justice, inclusive urban planning, and digital recreation equity, with a focus on community collaboration and policy reform.

Her article trends show persistent exploration of spatial justice, environmental equity, and recreation access through geospatial methodologies, community-based research, and SDG-aligned policy analysis.

Josephine's collaborations include the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association and Steadward Centre, advancing recreation access for vulnerable students. She is driven by personal immigrant experiences to transform leisure from a privilege to a universal right.