
The Marquis Masters Podcast
Richard C. Larson: A Lifetime of Operations Research and Model Thinking
In this episode of Marquis Masters , host Nick Franck welcomes Dr. Richard C. Larson, professor post-tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and internationally recognized pioneer in operations research. Dr. Larson reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than five decades at MIT, where he evolved from student to professor while making lasting contributions to mathematics, public safety, and education. He explains the foundations of operations research, describing how mathematical modeling and data-driven decision-making are used to optimize complex systems—from airline scheduling to emergency response—and shares how "model thinking" can help anyone make better decisions in everyday life. The conversation explores several of Dr. Larson's groundbreaking accomplishments, including the development of the Hypercube Queueing Model, which revolutionized emergency response planning by accounting for the locations and availability of police, fire, and emergency medical units. He recounts his early work with the New York City Police Department during the implementation of the city's 911 emergency system, where his research led to rapid improvements in emergency call response times. Dr. Larson also discusses the creation of Urban Operations Research , the influential textbook he co-authored with Professor Amedeo Odoni, which helped establish operations research as a powerful tool for solving urban challenges around the world. Beyond mathematics and public policy, Dr. Larson shares the story behind BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies), an innovative educational initiative he developed alongside his late wife and intellectual partner, Mary Elizabeth Murray. Inspired by classroom observations in rural China, the project introduced interactive STEM lessons designed to combine video instruction with classroom discussion, creating a model of blended learning that continues to reach students worldwide. Throughout the interview, Dr. Larson reflects on the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning, and giving back, including his decision to establish the Richard Larson Faculty Chair at MIT. He also discusses his passion for writing, the inspiration behind his book Model Thinking for Everyday Life , and the profound influence mentors—and especially his wife—had on both his career and his life. In this episode, discover how Dr. Richard C. Larson has spent a lifetime applying mathematics, systems thinking, and education to solve real-world problems while inspiring future generations of innovators and decision-makers. For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com . If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

