Janet Loebach

Janet Loebach enriches the academic discourse on children's environments as an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California-Davis. With an impressive 18 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to exploring the intricate relationships between children's built and natural environments and their effects on play, learning, mobility, and development. Her research is pivotal in understanding how these environments shape the cognitive and social growth of children. Dr. Loebach's expertise is particularly notable in her innovative use of child-led and digitally enhanced methodologies. She employs advanced tools such as behavior mapping, qualitative GIS, participatory photography, and place mapping to gain deeper insights into children's interactions with their surroundings. These methodologies not only provide a comprehensive understanding of children's spatial behaviors but also empower young participants by involving them directly in the research process. Her work is characterized by a commitment to enhancing the quality of children's environments, ensuring they are conducive to healthy development and learning. By focusing on the intersection of design, environment, and child development, Dr. Loebach's research contributes significantly to the fields of environmental psychology and urban planning, offering valuable perspectives on creating spaces that support children's well-being. In addition to her research, Dr. Loebach is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, fostering a new generation of scholars who are passionate about improving children's environments. Her dedication to both research and education makes her a vital member of the academic community at the University of California-Davis.