Richard C. Larson: Engineering Solutions, Empowering Minds

A Legacy at the Crossroads of Analytics, Education, and Equity

In a world of increasing complexity, the leaders who make the biggest impact are those who bridge scientific rigor with human understanding. Few exemplify this balance better than Richard C. Larson—MIT professor, operations researcher, EdTech pioneer, and global changemaker. Over a career spanning five decades, Larson has transformed urban systems, revolutionized learning through technology, and mentored generations of students and policymakers alike.

From Urban Analytics to Public Service

Born in 1943 in New York City and raised across multiple U.S. towns, Richard Larson’s early life of movement and adaptation foreshadowed a career of innovation and reinvention. After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering from MIT, Larson focused his doctoral research on urban police deployment—work that would anchor a lifetime of applying analytics to real-world problems.

Larson’s early contributions to operations research were game-changing. At RAND Corporation, he developed models for the efficient dispatch of emergency services in New York City, making public safety systems more effective and responsive. His research not only influenced how cities allocate emergency resources, but also demonstrated the power of data and modeling to serve the public good.

"Doctor Queue" and the Human Side of Systems

Larson’s academic curiosity extended into the realm of queueing theory—the science of waiting lines. Widely recognized as "Doctor Queue," his insights on the psychology of waiting have shaped how businesses and governments design service systems. "Often, the psychology of queuing is more important than the statistics," he observed, highlighting his signature approach: pairing deep analytics with empathy for the human experience.

Leading Thought and Building Institutions

Larson’s leadership helped shape the trajectory of operations research. He served as President of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA), and later of INFORMS, where he was also named a founding fellow. In 1993, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his pioneering work in both public and private sector service systems.

His contributions, however, didn’t remain confined to theory or policy. Larson consulted for organizations ranging from the U.S. Postal Service to the City of New York, applying his expertise to challenges in logistics, disaster preparedness, and workforce planning.

Revolutionizing Education Through Technology

In the mid-1990s, Larson turned his attention to educational technology. As Director of MIT’s Center for Advanced Educational Services, he championed online and interactive learning—long before it became mainstream. His philosophy was simple but powerful: "Technology can be a powerful equalizer, bringing world-class learning to students wherever they are."

That vision came to life in MIT BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies), a program he co-founded after visiting a rural school in China. BLOSSOMS offers free, interactive video lessons in math and science, designed not as lectures, but as engaging, hands-on classroom experiences. The program has reached students across the globe, particularly in underserved communities.

To scale the impact further, Larson founded LINC (Learning International Networks Consortium), a global initiative based at MIT that fosters collaboration among educators, policymakers, and technologists from over 25 countries. LINC promotes the use of distance learning and digital tools to address educational inequities worldwide.

Mentorship, Scholarship, and Impact

Larson’s academic legacy includes six books and over 175 scholarly articles. His research spans urban systems, smart homes, emergency preparedness, and education, all unified by a consistent theme: turning complex problems into actionable solutions.

As a professor, Larson has mentored dozens of doctoral students and inspired thousands more. His most recent book, MODEL THINKING For Everyday Life, underscores his commitment to critical reasoning and lifelong learning. His teaching emphasizes active, model-based thinking over rote memorization—encouraging students to question assumptions, solve real problems, and learn through doing.

A Life of Purpose and Balance

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larson is remembered by students and colleagues for his humility, generosity, and humanity. Married to Mary Elizabeth Murray ("Liz") for over four decades until her passing in 2022, Larson managed to balance a demanding career with deep family and community ties.

His enduring influence stretches across academic disciplines, industries, and continents. From the science of service systems to the global democratization of education, Richard C. Larson’s work is a testament to the power of combining intellect with empathy, and theory with action.

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