Mike Wu recently completed his master of science in geology at the University of Otago and is now employed by the geopark until the end of the year.
His main job is to correct and update the labels of the fossils at the geopark’s Vanished World museum in Duntroon.
"They are mostly full of different invertebrate fossils," Mr Wu said.
"What I find is the labels are quite outdated and are now taxonomically incorrect.
"My job is to primarily focus on correcting all the labels, including reviewing, developing new labels for pretty much all the display items."
The labels become outdated because geology is an ever-evolving field, with the taxonomic arrangements of the names for fossils changing.
"We need to be scientifically correct — it’s quite necessary to give them a current name."
Mr Wu was first introduced to Vanished World when he visited while completing his undergraduate degree and instantly fell in love.
"Even though it’s quite small compared to other museums like Otago Museum or Te Papa in Wellington, we hold some of, I would say, the best fossils."
When his supervisor, University of Otago geology Emeritus Prof Daphne Lee, mentioned there was an opportunity for him to work with the centre, Mr Wu jumped at it.
"This is a pretty good opportunity for me to use my professional knowledge to help a small museum like Vanished World Centre."
Mr Wu first became interested in geology and paleontology when he visited a museum as a child.
"Back when I was a kid, just like every geology student or especially paleontology student, I was brought to a museum by my mum.
"The first few fossils I saw were T Rex and big dinosaurs, but when my mum brought me to a display area where there was small shells, that drew most of my attention, so I’m kind of different from the other typical kid.
"Everyone just gets so excited about dinosaurs, I just saw those shells and thought ‘wow they are way cooler’."
He loved being able play a part in Vanished World offering that same experience to young children.
"I think this a good place, especially for little kids or a very young audience to come have a look."
He hoped to get the new labels finished in roughly two months time.
The geopark was able to employ Mr Wu after being awarded a grant through the Stout Trust.
