Richard Larson’s journey into academia was far from conventional. A distinguished Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), his career spans decades of groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary exploration. His contributions to Operations Research (OR) and its practical applications have shaped urban planning, policing, and logistical operations across multiple domains. From his unexpected entry into academia to his pioneering work in model thinking, Larson’s career embodies a relentless pursuit of knowledge and real-world impact. Over the years, Larson has witnessed and influenced transformative shifts in education, technology, and research methodologies. As a mentor, educator, and researcher, he has consistently championed interdisciplinary collaboration and the necessity of applying theoretical models to practical situations. In this conversation, he reflects on his career, the evolution of academia, and the future of education and artificial intelligence. What Inspired the Academic Path? Larson’s journey into academia was unplanned. “As a student at MIT, I initially pursued Electrical Engineering before transitioning to graduate studies in the Operations Research Center. An unexpected personal experience profoundly influenced my academic trajectory—I became indirectly involved in a crime, as professional thieves executed a large-scale theft.” His curiosity about crime and policing led him to independently study criminology, eventually catching the attention of his advisor, Professor Alvin W. Drake.