Richard “Dick” Larson Celebrated for Excellence in the Field of Operations Research
Possessing over five decades of experience in education, Richard “Dick” Larson is an expert in operations research and public sector management
LEXINGTON, MA, January 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Richard “Dick” Larson is a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who’s Who. He was recently spotlighted in New York City’s Times Square on a 22-story screen that is passed by an estimated 1.5 million people daily. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen from among a pool of the most prominent professionals and are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Larson, a distinguished figure in operations research, has dedicated over five decades to advancing the discipline in the academic sector. His career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began in 1969 when he joined as a professor. Over the years, Dr. Larson became renowned for his expertise in operations research and city public sectors. In 2019, he transitioned to professor post-tenure, continuing to contribute as a consultant and resource for others.
Dr. Larson’s career is marked by his leadership of an independent consulting firm, Queues Enforth Development Inc., which he managed for 40 years. The firm, initially known as Public Systems Evaluation, evolved and played a crucial role in various public projects in New York City. Dr. Larson’s contributions to operations research are further highlighted by his development of the Hypercube Queueing Model, serving as a testament to his mathematical prowess and programming skills.
Throughout his career, Dr. Larson has been actively involved with several professional organizations. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the Operations Research Society of America, and the Institute of Management Sciences. His leadership roles have included serving as past president of the Operations Research Society of America and the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
Dr. Larson’s academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy in operations research from MIT, which he completed in 1969. His passion for learning and making a positive impact on society has been a driving force behind his success. Influenced by mentors such as Professors Al Drake and Al Blumstein, Dr. Larson pursued operations research due to its diverse career opportunities. His dedication to hard work and creating impactful products has been instrumental in his achievements.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Larson has made significant contributions through his publications. He co-authored the “Urban Operations Research” textbook with Professor Amedeo Odoni at MIT, which has been widely cited and translated into multiple languages. His book, “Urban Police Patrol Analysis,” derived from his doctoral thesis, earned him the Lanchester Prize for best publication on operations research. More recently, he authored “Model Thinking for Everyday Life,” published by INFORMS in 2023.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Larson was born in Bayside, Queens, and was married to his late spouse, Mary Elizabeth Murray, for 43 years. He is a father to two sons and one daughter. In his leisure time, he enjoys walking in nature. Looking ahead, Dr. Larson aims to expand the reach of his book “Model Thinking for Everyday Life” beyond its current platform on Amazon to Barnes & Noble bookstores and engage with the public on model-based thinking.
Dr. Larson’s commitment to education and mentorship continues to influence young professionals in operations research. As he looks forward to future opportunities, he remains dedicated to making valuable contributions through writing and outreach efforts that promote model-based thinking among broader audiences.
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