Prof Julia Clarke, of the University of Texas (Austin) Jackson School of Geosciences, studies birds and other theropod dinosaurs to better understand major transitions in the history of life.
She is particularly interested in how structures in living animals developed and how avian flight and wing-propelled diving evolved.
Prof Clarke has been sponsored by the United States Embassy to New Zealand to give a 40-minute sold-out talk about her work at Tūhura Otago Museum, tomorrow.
Her research history also includes uncovering fossils on the Chatham Islands, and she has a huge depth of knowledge about New Zealand bird species, including South Island penguins and their evolution in relation to dinosaurs.
Museum marketing manager Charlie Buchan said the anticipation around her arrival was palpable.
"Professor Clarke hasn’t even landed in Dunedin yet and the excitement is already through the roof.
"The talk sold out in a matter of days — it’s clear there’s a huge community of dinosaur lovers here.
"Her groundbreaking work is transforming what we know about dinosaurs, from the colours of their feathers to the way they may have sounded millions of years ago."
He said a 20-minute question and answer session would follow, offering a rare chance for local dinosaur fans, young and old, to ask questions about her work in the field.
"Getting to showcase cutting-edge science from a world-class researcher like Prof Clarke, right here at Tūhura Otago Museum, is a fantastic opportunity for our community, especially for the next generation of curious minds."
While in Dunedin, Prof Clarke will also visit local researchers and academics in the fields of palaeontology and endangered bird conservation at the University of Otago.
She would also spend time with the team at Dunedin’s Wildlife Hospital to observe the work being done to protect and rehabilitate endangered animals in the region.
