Aanii! My name is Emma Force and I am the Aquatic Ecology Intern for the upcoming year at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. I am excited to not only visit my first National park but work at one! 

Since I was a young girl growing up in Michigan, I’ve enjoyed spending my time in any water I could find; Lake Michigan, ponds, rivers, and pools. As I got older my curiosity for water movements and the organisms that live in it grew and developed into the passion I have today. I decided to pursue my passion academically by attending Michigan State University for a Bachelors in Zoology/Marine biology.  While curiosity has driven me to new ideas, traditional knowledge has always guided me. In Anishinaabe culture water is life (Nibi Bimaadiziwin),  its protection and livelihood for future generations motivates me to look after it as it does for us.

In recent years I’ve enjoyed learning about native fish species in Lake Michigan by working with my tribe on Commercial Fisheries Management and researching Coregonid populations and favorable habitats in Little Traverse Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in fisheries, but I am excited to diversify my skills and knowledge by working with aquatic amphibian and reptile populations. 

I am honored to be selected for this opportunity and thrilled to learn from the park and my mentors. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know me and are excited to continue this experience with me.