18-02-2025
Dr. Richard Larson's Model-Based Thinking Solves Everyday Problems
Jason Phillips
Contributor
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For more than five decades, Richard Larson, PhD, has shaped the field of operations research with a deep commitment to solving real-world problems. Since 1969, he has worked as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Though he is now retired, Dr. Larson's expertise has influenced urban emergency response systems, educational innovation and model-based thinking.
An Invitation to Greatness
The power of mathematics and analytics is the central focus of Dr. Larson's influential career. The field of operations research has broad applications, and throughout his career, he has served as a bridge between mathematics and practical problem-solving. The work he's done has impacted public policy and improved decision-making processes.
Dr. Larson found inspiration in the mentorship of professor Al Drake, who invited him to attend MIT. The guidance he received led to a 54-year tenure at the prestigious institution. As a professor, he applied advanced theoretical knowledge in ways that impact cities and institutions worldwide.
A Mathematical Model That Saves Lives
Dr. Larson co-founded an applied research and consulting firm known over the years as ENFORTH Corporation and Q.E.D. The firm aims to share its work beyond the halls of academia. This endeavor reflects his focus on the practical implementation of ideas, as he believes research should contribute to tangible improvements in society.
Dr. Larson's Hypercube Queuing Model, a sophisticated mathematical framework that optimizes emergency response systems, exemplifies this improvement mindset. This model improved how police, fire and medical services allocate resources. A key outcome of this project was faster response times in critical situations.
A Champion for Open-Access Education
A passion for education is an integral part of Dr. Larson's career. As a co-founder of MIT BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open-Source Science Or Math Studies), he seeks to make science and mathematics more accessible. This initiative, created alongside MIT professor Dan Frey and his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray, offers students worldwide free science and math video lessons. The program is one of the earliest large-scale open-source learning repositories and is available on YouTube.
Dr. Larson has also been president of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS). These leadership roles embody his dedication to knowledge sharing within the industry.
A Better Way to Make Decisions
INFORMS published Dr. Larson's latest work, 'Model Thinking for Everyday Life," in 2023. This reader-friendly book encapsulates his lifelong interest in analytical reasoning. The guide is a resource on how structured thinking models benefit everyday decisions. Readers can use the information to refine their decision-making skills.
Dr. Larson hopes to change how people approach personal and professional problem-solving. As he sees it, model-based thinking can lead to better business, government or daily life choices.
Looking Ahead to Impact More Lives
Even after retirement, Dr. Larson continues his involvement with the National Academy of Engineering and supports various charitable initiatives. At some point, he plans on expanding the reach of his book onto other platforms, such as Barnes & Noble. He aims to promote the adoption of mathematical models in everyday decision-making.
For those aspiring to enter operations research or related fields, Dr. Larson advises staying open to new ideas and incorporating personal experiences into one's work. This acumen has helped him make life-changing contributions to emergency response optimization, open-access education and model-based thinking. Applying mathematical rigor to real-world problems solidifies his influence beyond academia.
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