As I mentioned in my last post, I'm currently writing these blog posts from Panama :D I began planning this trip in February 2017 with PJ and our super cool collaborator, Aaron O'Dea. Step 1 for me was applying for funds to come down here and collect samples. Aaron suggested an STRI Short-Term Fellowship since this first trip would be used to get my feet wet here in Panama (literally and figuratively), so I submitted my application materials by the April 15th deadline. |
While waiting to hear back from the STRI Short-Term Fellowship committee, I began Step 2: apply for collection and export permits. STRI, being the clever organization that they are, has a whole webpage dedicated to the most common types of permits that are required for scientific research in Panama. A universal truth for fieldwork that requires collecting samples: the earlier one can submit these permits, the better. As an example, STRI suggests having all of your permits submitted at least 3 months prior to any active Panama field work.