Aola Richards

Aola Richards was a pioneering entomologist in New Zealand, renowned for her groundbreaking research on cave crickets and her extensive contributions to the field of entomology. She earned her doctorate as the first female entomologist in New Zealand and spent over three decades at the University of New South Wales. Upon her passing in 2021 at the age of 93, Richards left a remarkable legacy through a $40 million bequest, part of which will fund the Aola Richards Sydney Insect Hub at the University of Sydney, fostering future research in insect biodiversity and conservation.