Dr. Richard C. Larson’s life story is one of relentless curiosity, academic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to societal betterment. From a free-spirited childhood in Bayside, Queens, to becoming one of the most respected voices in operations research, his path reflects a rare synthesis of intellect and empathy. Dr. Larson’s work bridges the academic and the practical, merging theory with real-world application to create solutions that touch millions of lives. He does not view life through the lens of accolades but as a series of opportunities to serve, teach, and inspire.
Through decades of service in education, public systems, and consulting, Dr. Larson’s influence has expanded well beyond the classroom. His initiatives have improved emergency services, advanced decision-making tools, and cultivated a new generation of leaders across various disciplines. What sets him apart is his ability to translate complex academic models into practical strategies that impact urban systems, public safety, and civic planning—while simultaneously nurturing the potential of every student he mentors.
In 2025, Dr. Larson is more than just a scholar or professional; he is a torchbearer of continuous learning and purposeful living. The world looks to him not just for knowledge, but for wisdom. This is a journey through the legacy of a man who wakes up each day with gratitude, passion, and a desire to create value for others—proving time and again that knowledge, when paired with empathy, can truly change the world.
The Foundation of a Lifelong Journey
Dr. Richard Larson was born in Bayside, Queens, and raised in small-town Pennsylvania, near the Susquehanna River. His early life was marked by a rare freedom—his parents entrusted him with the autonomy to make meaningful decisions from a very young age. One of the first such decisions came when he was asked whether he wanted to begin kindergarten. He chose to wait—a gesture not of defiance, but of thoughtful self-assurance that would come to define him.
This foundation of trust and independence allowed Dr. Larson to grow up exploring, asking questions, and learning from the world around him. His early exposure to self-guided discovery provided a unique platform for the development of an independent, inquisitive mindset. Later, the family’s move to New Jersey and eventually Needham, Massachusetts, furthered his journey, culminating in his acceptance to MIT—a place that would shape his academic and professional identity.
The formative years spent in these diverse environments cultivated in Dr. Larson a blend of introspection and outward engagement. His upbringing taught him to observe, to question, and above all, to take initiative. These characteristics not only fueled his educational pursuits but became the building blocks of a career deeply invested in solving human problems through science and systems thinking.
A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Practical Application
At MIT, Dr. Larson’s academic journey took off under the mentorship of Professor Alvin W. Drake. It was here that his interest in operations research began to bloom. Rather than being content with theory alone, he pursued the practical application of knowledge. Early on, he recognized the gap between academic research and real-world implementation—a gap he would spend the rest of his career bridging.
Dr. Larson’s time at the Institute for Defense Analyses in Arlington, Virginia, as the youngest member of the Science and Technology Task Force, gave him firsthand experience in transforming data and models into actionable outcomes. There, he discovered the importance of public speaking, policy, and cross-sector collaboration. This blend of exposure gave him the confidence to co-found Public Systems Evaluation (PSE), a nonprofit focused on problem-solving in the public domain.
PSE evolved into Queues-ENFORTH-Development (QED)—a for-profit consultancy that allowed Dr. Larson to work hands-on with urban infrastructure, particularly emergency services in cities like New York. Whether optimizing police response times or integrating Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, Dr. Larson ensured that his research had a tangible societal footprint. He believes, “Research doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It needs to make a difference in people’s lives.” That belief has been the north star of his career.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Behind every impactful professional journey is often a powerful personal story. For Dr. Larson, that story revolves around his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray. More than a partner, she was his intellectual equal, his collaborator, and his steadfast supporter. Together, they co-authored presentations and conducted international seminars, including a memorable one in Saudi Arabia where Mary Elizabeth captivated a large audience with her clarity and wisdom.
Their relationship was a testament to the power of shared vision and mutual respect. For 43 years, they built not only a life together but also an academic and professional synergy that inspired those around them. Her passing left a profound void, yet Dr. Larson continues to honor her memory through his ongoing work. Her legacy lives on in the values they shared and in the lives they touched.
This partnership reinforced the idea that success is best when it is shared. It also illustrated how personal support can enhance professional achievement, forming a bedrock of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Appetite for Business as a Force for Good
For Dr. Larson, business has never been about accumulating wealth—it has always been about extending the reach of his academic work. His entrepreneurial ventures allowed him to take research beyond the whiteboards of academia and into the pulse of real urban systems. Whether with PSE, ENFORTH, or QED, he transformed theories into systems that improved emergency response, urban planning, and public sector efficiency.
One of his landmark contributions was to the development of CAD systems, now commonplace in police and emergency dispatch centers. These innovations didn’t just improve efficiency; they saved lives. The success of such systems proves the real-world relevance of Dr. Larson’s research and the transformative potential of integrating academia with enterprise.
He views entrepreneurship as an academic amplifier—a way to expand the reach and utility of ideas. “Without these ventures,” he reflects, “my work would have remained confined to the classroom. With them, I could see the results of my efforts in action.”
Making Every Day Count
Life’s fragility is not lost on Dr. Larson. Having survived a critical post-surgical incident as a child and several other close calls later in life, he lives with a daily sense of gratitude. “Every day is a gift,” he says. That sentiment guides his personal philosophy and professional discipline.
Dr. Larson begins each day with a ritual of gratitude, a practice that shapes his sense of purpose. Whether in the classroom, writing a book, or contributing to public systems, he believes that every day offers a fresh chance to grow, help, and learn. His passion is seeing theories become solutions and solutions make a difference.
This mindset doesn’t just keep him motivated—it inspires those around him to value their own contributions and strive for excellence with humility and appreciation.
Turning Crisis into Opportunity
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Dr. Larson—like many others—was forced into a period of reflection. But instead of retreating, he leaned into the moment. It was his wife who encouraged him to explore new avenues of intellectual passion, leading to the writing of his book Model Thinking for Everyday Life, published in 2023.
The book became a practical guide for decision-making in uncertain times. Through relatable examples and clear insights, Dr. Larson made the complex accessible, helping people from all walks of life apply model-based reasoning to daily challenges. The book’s reception reaffirmed his belief that knowledge should be democratized and applied.
This chapter in his life is a reminder that challenges often contain the seeds of our most impactful work.
Embracing Imperfection, Sharing Wisdom
Dr. Larson is open about his flaws—he calls out his own tendency to procrastinate and jump to conclusions. Yet he treats these not as weaknesses to hide, but as realities to improve upon. It’s this honesty that makes his leadership relatable and his mentorship effective.
He is a staunch believer in the power of books and shared ideas. For him, wisdom not written is wisdom lost. He encourages all thought leaders to document their work, believing that even one impactful idea is worth passing on.
His message: be generous with knowledge, honest about shortcomings, and committed to continual improvement.
A Legacy of Influence and Honor
From the Lanchester Prize to membership in the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Larson’s list of accolades is long—but his focus remains on impact. He has led both ORSA and INFORMS, guided thousands of students, and consulted for countless public organizations. In 2025, he was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award—fitting recognition for a career defined by consistency, brilliance, and service.
Yet, he will tell you, “It’s not about the awards—it’s about the people we help along the way.” That humility underscores a lifetime spent lifting others while pushing the boundaries of his field.
Leadership as an Act of Teaching
Dr. Larson defines leadership not by authority but by example. He believes that effective leaders must teach, model, and inspire. To lead is to listen, to serve, and to remain open to growth. His mentorship style reflects this philosophy, encouraging emerging leaders to cultivate not only skills but values.
He often says, “Lead by example, and others will follow.” It’s a principle he’s lived by across classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces.
A Mantra for Lifelong Learning and Purpose
In the end, Dr. Larson’s mantra remains simple: “Any day I don’t learn something new is a wasted day.” Inspired by his musical hero B.B. King, he sees learning not as an obligation but as a joy—and teaching as a sacred duty.
As we reflect on his legacy, one thing becomes clear: Dr. Richard C. Larson is not just a man of science, but a man of heart—a mentor, an innovator, a servant leader. Through every decision, challenge, and chapter, he has proven that when knowledge meets purpose, the results can transform the world.
