Marry Gunaratnam reflects on the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Richard Larson, whose lifelong work in operations research transformed how the world solves problems. Over more than fifty years, Dr. Larson’s pioneering research, thoughtful mentorship, and boundless curiosity helped elevate the practical value of mathematical modeling. His name is synonymous with model-based thinking—a method that doesn’t just explain complex systems but improves them in tangible ways.
Dr. Larson’s intellectual home was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he joined the faculty in 1969 and remained a constant force for innovation for over five decades. Dr. Larson didn’t just teach operations research—he lived it. He showed us that complex equations, when applied with compassion and clarity, could actually save lives, optimize systems, and educate future generations. His story is not only about academic excellence but also about a moral vision: that knowledge should be used to make a difference in people’s everyday lives.
Even in retirement, Dr. Larson continues to influence fields as diverse as emergency services, education, and public policy. His efforts through MIT BLOSSOMS and his book Model Thinking for Everyday Life are testaments to his belief that sophisticated tools should be accessible, practical, and widely shared. “His career,” Marry says, “is a masterclass in the power of combining precision with purpose.”
A Career Anchored in Purpose and Precision
Dr. Richard Larson’s contributions to the world of applied mathematics began with an invitation from Professor Al Drake—a pivotal moment that led him to MIT and shaped the trajectory of his career. It wasn’t just a career in the traditional sense; it was a lifelong mission to elevate operations research from abstract theory to problem-solving science. As Marry puts it, “That invitation from Professor Drake was more than a step into academia; it was a call to greatness.”
Over the years, Dr. Larson used mathematical models to address real-world challenges that most people take for granted—like reducing emergency response times or designing effective learning platforms. His tenure at MIT was defined by both academic rigor and a relentless drive to create public value. Whether in the classroom or in the field, he pushed students and collaborators alike to ask hard questions: How can we do this better? What do the numbers tell us? What does society need?
His influence extends far beyond the walls of MIT. Dr. Larson’s practical applications of mathematical models have shaped everything from urban planning to national policy. These aren’t just statistics; they are stories of lives made safer, systems made more efficient, and education made more inclusive. “He didn’t rest until the models he built had a real-world application,” Marry explains. “That was the standard he lived by.”
Hypercube Queuing and Emergency Optimization
One of the most remarkable examples of Dr. Larson’s work is the Hypercube Queuing Model—a mathematically elegant yet deeply impactful system designed to optimize emergency response services. This model significantly enhanced how cities allocate resources for police, fire, and ambulance services. “We often take for granted how fast help arrives in a crisis,” Marry notes, “but Dr. Larson’s models are the reason behind that speed.”
At its core, the Hypercube Model is about making data-driven decisions in high-stakes environments. By accounting for location, frequency of calls, and system capacity, the model ensures that emergency services are dispatched in the most efficient way possible. It’s a brilliant fusion of statistics, logistics, and human welfare. As a result, cities that adopted Larson’s framework reported measurable improvements in public safety and emergency efficiency.
His firm, ENFORTH Corporation (later Q.E.D.), played a crucial role in translating these innovations from theory into action. “Dr. Larson wasn’t content with publishing papers,” Marry emphasizes. “He built teams and partnerships that would bring these models into city councils, hospitals, and emergency response units.” This ability to bridge academia and the public sector is rare—and transformational.
Democratizing Education Through MIT BLOSSOMS
Dr. Larson’s passion wasn’t limited to solving urban logistics; it extended deeply into the realm of education. Alongside his colleague Professor Dan Frey and his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray, he co-founded MIT BLOSSOMS—a pioneering initiative offering free, high-quality STEM video lessons to students around the world. “BLOSSOMS is one of his most heartfelt contributions,” Marry reflects. “It’s about creating equity in education, about making sure every child, no matter where they are, can access great teaching.”
At a time when online education was still in its infancy, Dr. Larson saw the potential of open-source content to bridge global learning gaps. The BLOSSOMS videos are now widely used across countries, bringing MIT-caliber teaching into rural classrooms and urban schools alike. With over 100 lessons available on platforms like YouTube, BLOSSOMS stands as one of the earliest and most impactful large-scale educational resources of its kind.
What makes this initiative special is its hybrid design. These aren’t just passive lectures—they’re interactive, project-based learning experiences that encourage critical thinking. Marry explains, “He didn’t just want students to memorize equations. He wanted them to understand the problem, explore it, test it, and solve it. That’s what BLOSSOMS does.” The project continues to influence educators and policymakers globally, highlighting the social responsibility of scientific expertise.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Legacy in INFORMS
Beyond his research and teaching, Dr. Larson played a pivotal leadership role in professional communities, most notably as president of ORSA and INFORMS—two of the most prominent organizations in operations research and analytics. These roles allowed him to mentor the next generation of scientists, modelers, and systems thinkers. “He wasn’t just a leader,” Marry says, “he was a cultivator of leadership in others.”
His tenure in these roles focused on expanding the reach and relevance of operations research. He pushed for interdisciplinary collaboration, open-access resources, and increased public engagement. Under his leadership, INFORMS grew not only in size but in influence—impacting sectors as diverse as healthcare, transportation, and climate policy.
Dr. Larson’s leadership style was marked by humility and inclusivity. He believed that every voice mattered and that progress required both collaboration and curiosity. “His door was always open,” Marry recalls. “Whether you were a graduate student or a policymaker, he treated your question with the same respect and enthusiasm.”
Model-Based Thinking for Daily Life
In 2023, INFORMS published what Marry Gunaratnam describes as “a crown jewel in Dr. Larson’s legacy”—the book Model Thinking for Everyday Life. This publication distills decades of academic and practical insights into a readable guide for everyday decision-making. It’s a tool for anyone—from business professionals to students to parents—seeking to make better choices through structured thinking.
The book introduces readers to the concept of model-based thinking: using simplified frameworks to analyze complex situations. Whether it’s deciding when to buy a car or how to manage a team, Dr. Larson shows that a systematic approach leads to better outcomes. “It’s not about solving equations in your head,” Marry explains. “It’s about training yourself to think more clearly, more logically—and with more empathy.”
What makes the book unique is its accessibility. Written without jargon and full of relatable examples, it serves as both a beginner’s guide and an expert’s refresher. It proves that model-based thinking isn’t just for engineers or analysts—it’s for everyone. “This book,” Marry says, “is Dr. Larson’s invitation to the world: Come see how thinking differently can change your life.”
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Even in retirement, Dr. Larson’s journey is far from over. He remains active in academic circles, serves as a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and continues to advise on projects that benefit from analytical insight. His next ambition is to expand the accessibility of his book, possibly launching it on platforms like Barnes & Noble to reach wider audiences.
What drives him is not fame or accolades—it’s impact. “Dr. Larson’s joy comes from knowing his work makes a difference,” Marry reflects. Whether it’s a faster ambulance, a smarter student, or a more informed citizen, his legacy lies in the outcomes that ripple through society because of his thinking.
As Marry Gunaratnam eloquently concludes, “Dr. Larson showed us that math is more than numbers—it’s a language of service. His life’s work is a testament to what happens when brilliance meets purpose. And for generations to come, that legacy will continue to inspire.”
