Jonathon Fane

Nationality: British

Age: 21 years old

Undergraduate Student of BSc. Zoology

University of Manchester

Placement: Industrial Year at Kanahau

Time length: 11 months
Testimonial

I came to work for Kanahau for one year as an industrial placement which contributed towards my undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Manchester. During my placement with Kanahau I was required to conduct my own personal study, which I elected to carry out on the snakes of Utila. This was just one of many research areas I could have chosen to study on an island with an overwhelming potential for scientific research. Prior to my arrival on Utila I discussed extensively with Steve and Andrea (the project coordinators) exactly what my study would focus on and how I would design my methodology. They also organised all the permits necessary for my study, allowing me to start work immediately upon arrival. Throughout my time with Kanahau they have checked over my work regularly and contributed numerous new ideas to help me improve the validity of my study. Alongside conducting my own work I was given countless opportunities to help out with the other studies on bats and iguanas, granting me a wealth of experience in several fields of biological research. Utila is a beautiful place to live or to visit and I would wholeheartedly recommend Kanahau to anyone looking for a longer placement to carry out their own research, or to someone considering a shorter trip to gain some field experience. I hope a future researcher will come with new ideas to expand the work I have started on the snakes of Utila and possibly even make use of the extensive collection of DNA samples I have amassed during my time here.