In the world of complex systems, from emergency services to education reform, few have contributed as significantly as Dr. Richard Larson. A distinguished professor and researcher from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Larson’s career spans over five decades. Though now retired, his legacy endures in the frameworks, algorithms, and educational initiatives that continue to serve institutions and individuals alike. What sets him apart isn’t just his brilliance in mathematics or operations research—it’s his relentless drive to apply theoretical principles to practical challenges.

From optimizing 911 response systems to developing open access educational platforms, Dr. Larson has consistently bridged the gap between academia and real-world impact. His work stands as a testimony to what happens when analytical rigor meets human-centric problem solving. He believes deeply in using mathematical models not only for large-scale public policy but also for everyday decision-making. His mission is simple but profound: empower people with better tools to think, decide, and act.

This profile captures Dr. Larson’s approach as told by the man himself—an approach that seamlessly fuses intellect, empathy, and purpose. Through his words and wisdom, we understand not only his methods but also his motivations, values, and aspirations for a better world powered by structured thinking.

A Life Devoted to Practical Problem-Solving

Throughout my 54-year tenure at MIT, I’ve always believed that mathematics and analytics are tools to solve tangible problems. I’ve never been interested in theory for theory’s sake. What excites me is when models help emergency workers respond faster, when educational videos reach students in rural areas, or when someone reads my book and tells me it helped them make a better personal decision.

My journey began in earnest thanks to Professor Al Drake, who invited me to study at MIT. His mentorship shaped the trajectory of my life. The environment at MIT—intellectually vibrant and ethically grounded—provided the perfect stage to develop, test, and deploy models that matter.

When I reflect on my career, I don’t see a series of academic achievements. I see stories—stories of urban emergency responders reaching citizens faster, of teachers using BLOSSOMS videos in classrooms around the world, and of readers who now use model-based thinking in their everyday lives. That’s the real measure of success.

Mathematics That Saves Lives

One of the most gratifying projects in my career was the development of the Hypercube Queuing Model. This mathematical model revolutionized how cities allocate police, fire, and ambulance resources. Before this model, decisions were often reactive or based on limited historical data. With the Hypercube model, we introduced a way to simulate various scenarios and anticipate where resources would be needed next.

It wasn’t just about equations—it was about saving lives. Cities using the model reported improved response times and more efficient use of personnel. I co-founded ENFORTH Corporation, later known as Q.E.D., to extend this work beyond academia and into the hands of municipalities, planners, and emergency managers. I’ve always believed that research shouldn’t gather dust on library shelves; it should be out in the world, solving problems.

Bridging Academia and Society

Being part of both academic institutions and applied consultancies gave me a unique vantage point. At MIT, I had the freedom to explore deeply and the support to innovate boldly. At ENFORTH and Q.E.D., I saw firsthand how public services struggle with resource allocation and strategic planning. Marrying those two worlds—research and practice—was incredibly fulfilling.

That dual perspective also informed my leadership roles with the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). Serving as president of these organizations allowed me to advocate for research that delivers real value. We’re not just solving puzzles—we’re improving healthcare systems, disaster response, and transportation networks.

Education as a Force Multiplier

One of the most personal and impactful chapters of my life has been BLOSSOMS—Blended Learning Open-Source Science or Math Studies. Co-founded with my MIT colleague Dan Frey and my late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray, BLOSSOMS was born from a simple question: How can we help more students fall in love with science and math?

BLOSSOMS delivers short, high-quality video lessons that are completely free and designed for classroom integration. These videos, hosted on platforms like YouTube, allow teachers anywhere in the world to enrich their students’ learning experience with rigorously developed content. We’ve seen BLOSSOMS used from remote villages in Africa to urban classrooms in New York.

The emotional connection I have to BLOSSOMS is immense. It’s not just about knowledge transfer—it’s about democratizing access. It’s about making sure a kid in a rural town has the same shot at understanding algebra or physics as someone in a top-tier prep school.

Making Analytical Thinking More Human

In 2023, INFORMS published my book, Model Thinking for Everyday Life. This was a very personal project for me. After decades of focusing on city systems and public services, I wanted to turn the lens inward and help individuals. The core message is simple: anyone can use structured thinking to make better choices, whether you’re managing your time, planning a trip, or deciding how to invest money.

Model-based thinking isn’t just for engineers and scientists. It’s for parents, teachers, entrepreneurs, and students. It offers a way to step back, remove emotion from high-stakes decisions, and arrive at conclusions with confidence. My goal was to make these tools accessible and relatable. And judging by the feedback, it’s working.

A Vision for the Future

Richard expresses, “Even in retirement, I remain deeply engaged. I continue to support the National Academy of Engineering and participate in philanthropic initiatives that promote science literacy and education. I’m also exploring ways to distribute Model Thinking for Everyday Life more broadly—possibly through platforms like Barnes & Noble or as a digital course.”

The future of operations research, in his view, lies in expanding its accessibility. We need to help more people understand that these tools aren’t intimidating—they’re empowering. “I want to see a world where a teenager uses a decision tree to plan their career, where city mayors use optimization models for zoning, and where teachers bring BLOSSOMS-style innovation into every classroom,” he shares.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those entering the field, I always say: stay curious and stay humble. Don’t be afraid to bring your life experiences into your models. Theory is important, but application is where the magic happens. And never forget—every data point is a real person, a real community, a real story.

I’ve spent my life applying math to the messiness of the world, and what I’ve found is this: structure doesn’t remove the human element; it enhances it. By thinking clearly, modeling carefully, and always staying rooted in empathy, we can make the world a little more rational—and a lot more compassionate.

Final Reflections

Richard shares, “My career may have officially ended when I retired from MIT, but the work goes on. Whether through a book, a classroom video, or a municipal dashboard, my goal is the same: empower others to think better. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with brilliant minds, help shape institutions, and develop models that matter.

And now, I hope to see others carry that torch forward. Let’s continue building tools that don’t just solve problems but elevate lives. Let’s teach the next generation that they have the power to make better choices—not just for themselves but for the world around them.