I’ve had the honour of being made research associate at Coiba AIP. A Panamanian research organisation focussing on conservation, biodiversity and sustainability with a focus on the nature reserve surrounding the island of Coiba off the Panamanian coast. The majority of the islands 503 sq km (the largest island in Central America) is undisturbed and unexplored rain forest. The associate status allows me to visit the unpopulated island and apply for funding for island related projects with other terrestrial-orientated researchers, so I look forward to take advantage of that over the coming years.