Dr. Richard “Dick” Larson is not just a name etched in the archives of operations research — he is a pioneering force whose work has transformed urban systems, emergency planning, technology-enabled learning, and beyond. As a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Larson has led decades of innovative research in areas that directly touch the lives of millions — from the design of smarter emergency services to pandemic modeling, and from queueing theory to global educational outreach. His influence straddles both the theoretical frameworks that shape academic discourse and the practical tools that power modern cities and classrooms. What sets Dr. Larson apart is not just the breadth of his contributions but the humanistic vision underlying them. Whether improving the response time of ambulances or enhancing student access to high-quality STEM education through MIT BLOSSOMS, his work consistently seeks to make systems more efficient, equitable, and sustainable. His career bridges engineering, social good, and education — domains too often siloed — and turns abstract algorithms into life-changing applications. Now, as a respected voice in academia and an active innovator post-tenure, Dr. Larson continues to drive forward-thinking initiatives that embrace data, technology, and human behavior. In his own words, it’s not about waiting for the future; it’s about designing it. Early Foundations in Engineering and Curiosity Dr. Richard Larson was born in 1943 in Bayside, Queens, New York City, into a modest family. His father, Gilbert C. Larson, laid early foundations for a life of intellectual pursuit. After moving through various towns in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he completed high school in Needham, Massachusetts. His academic excellence and inquisitive spirit led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in electrical engineering by 1969 — a remarkably swift and focused academic journey. From his earliest years at MIT, Dr. Larson demonstrated a unique ability to merge theory with practical application. Even as a student, he began working with real-world problems, a habit that would become the hallmark of his career. He credits the MIT environment for nurturing interdisciplinary collaboration and for giving him access to pioneering minds and urgent problems that demanded innovative solutions. Transforming Urban Emergency Services In the late 1960s and early 1970s, urban America faced mounting challenges—growing populations, resource-constrained emergency services, and public dissatisfaction. Dr. Larson entered this space with a mission: to bring systems thinking and operations research to the heart of city services. Partnering with RAND Corporation and focusing on New York City, he delved deep into how emergency response units—particularly police and ambulances — could improve dispatch systems through optimization. His groundbreaking book, Urban Police Patrol Analysis, published in 1972, won the Frederick W. Lanchester Prize and became a seminal text in urban systems research. Dr. Larson’s models didn’t just sit on academic shelves; they were implemented in cities to improve public safety outcomes and response times. He demonstrated that mathematics and algorithms could, quite literally, save lives. A Thought Leader in Queueing Theory Public places often test our patience — think airports, banks, or amusement parks — and Dr. Larson became famously known as “Doctor Queue” for his pioneering work on queueing theory and the psychology of waiting lines. His work explored not only the mathematical underpinnings of queues but also the human behaviors associated with waiting. Why do people choose one line over another? How can technology reduce perceived wait times? Can systems be designed not just to optimize flow but also user satisfaction? He addressed these questions through rigorous research and became a media favorite, featured on NPR and in the Washington Post, offering commentary on everything from Disney queues to emergency room wait times. His work has influenced not only operational models but also user experience strategies in countless public and private-sector services. Leading with Vision in Technology-Enabled Education In the 1990s, Dr. Larson turned his attention toward education, inspired partly by his own children’s learning experiences. Recognizing the transformative potential of the internet and multimedia, he became the Director of MIT’s Center for Advanced Educational Services in 1995. Under his leadership, the center became a hub for digital learning long before “online education” became mainstream. One of his landmark achievements is the founding of the MIT BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies) initiative, which he continues to lead. This global project produces high-quality video lessons in math and science, distributed freely to educators and students worldwide. Through engaging storytelling, real-world problem-solving, and multi-lingual support, BLOSSOMS has impacted classrooms across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Dr. Larson also established the Learning International Networks Coalition (LINC), an MIT-based professional society that supports the global exchange of ideas in technology-enabled learning. His efforts have been instrumental in bringing world-class STEM education to underserved communities, aligning deeply with his belief that learning should be inclusive and scalable. Leadership in Professional Societies and Consultancy Dr. Larson has not confined his influence to classrooms or academic papers. He has served in leadership positions in several professional organizations, including two terms as President of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and later as a founding Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). He was awarded the George E. Kimball Medal and INFORMS President’s Award for his leadership and service to the profession. In the consulting world, he has lent his expertise to a wide range of clients — from the United States Postal Service to the City of New York. His insights have helped streamline logistics, optimize resource allocation, and improve customer service strategies across industries. These roles reflect a career that has bridged theory, leadership, and action — a trifecta that few academics achieve at such scale and longevity. Recognition and Awards Across a Lifelong Career Dr. Larson’s list of honors is as diverse as his research interests. In 1993, he was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering for his groundbreaking contributions to operations research methodologies across public and private

One is not born with a leadership trait. Leadership is a journey where a person evolves into a true leader by facing the most challenging circumstances. Christian Daghelinckx held leadership roles throughout most of his career, long before taking on his current position as Managing Director America, Minor Hotels (Europe & Americas). Technically speaking, he’s been a leader for many years. However, over time, he came to understand that leadership extends far beyond holding an executive title. It is a constant exercise in awareness, learning, personal reflection, and above all, evolution. “There was never a single moment when I felt I had ‘become’ a leader,” he shares. Rather, it has been a series of moments—some inspiring, others painful—that have shaped the kind of leader he is today. It’s true that taking over the regional direction in 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic, was a turning point. Not only because of the magnitude of the responsibility, but also because the context demanded a version of himself that Christian hadn’t yet put into practice: one that was more human, more empathetic, more exposed, and also more resolute. What would normally have been a stage of diagnosis and strategic planning immediately became an urgent reaction to an unprecedented crisis. The business literally came to a halt. Christian faced the enormous challenge of keeping hotel operations alive with closed doors and borders gradually shutting down. In that context, the priority was clear: “Protect the safety of our employees, their families, and the guests who, due to mobility restrictions, remained in our properties.” Every decision he made had to balance humanity with strategic responsibility: protecting jobs, preserving emotional connection with teams despite the distance, creating and deploying effective health protocols, keeping communication channels open even in the absence of good news, and at the same time, safeguarding the company’s sustainability and interests. But if time has taught Christian anything, it’s that leadership isn’t something you “achieve”—it’s something you cultivate. You’re never fully “ready.” You’re always learning. “I’ve made mistakes, doubted myself, and questioned my decisions. And I believe that this ability for internal review is an essential part of leading with authenticity. Sometimes, there are no clear answers.” Sometimes, even when you do the right thing, you’re left with the feeling that you could have done better. That discomfort is part of the process, too, he adds. Leading Beyond Boundaries: Where Business Insight Meets Human-Centered Impact Christian’s leadership philosophy, much like his journey, is shaped by complexity and clarity within it. Over time, he has embraced a deeply interconnected view of leadership, where business strategy, culture, human experience, and societal change are not separate threads, but part of one evolving tapestry. For him, leadership is not a static role but a living responsibility that demands creativity, empathy, and a purposeful presence. Central to his style are four guiding pillars: a holistic business vision, strategic creativity, genuine empathy, and collective empowerment. These are not abstract ideals, but daily practices that help him build autonomous and diverse teams capable of transformational impact, especially across a region as nuanced as Latin America. Here, Christian knows success can’t be mass-produced. It must be locally inspired, globally aligned, and culturally intuitive. In his eyes, hospitality today is no longer about service alone—it’s about orchestrating meaningful, hybrid experiences that speak to a new generation of travelers. And while his path is already distinguished, Christian remains in progress. As he often reminds his team, “Leadership is not a destination, but a continuous act of becoming—one conversation, one decision, one insight at a time.” Navigating Uncertainty with Purpose: How Christian Transforms Complexity into Strategic Momentum Christian continues to embody a leadership philosophy built not on certainty, but on conviction. His experience leading through volatile cycles has refined his ability to turn unpredictability into opportunity. For Christian, clarity during chaos isn’t found in rigid playbooks—it’s cultivated through purpose. In regions like Latin America, where fluctuation is the norm, leadership means staying alert, agile, and deeply attuned to the ever-changing landscape. He approaches each challenge with a compass, not a map—understanding that while strategies may need to shift rapidly, purpose remains constant. “We don’t wait for crises here,” he often remarks. “We lead through them.” His leadership is defined by anticipating disruption, making timely decisions, and empowering teams to act with boldness and cohesion. This philosophy fuels Minor Hotels’ ambitious expansion across Latin America. With projects like Tivoli in Mérida, nhow in Lima, and NH Studios in Guadalajara, Christian is not only responding to opportunity—he’s shaping the future. For him, Latin America is not just a growth market; it is a proving ground for global innovation. Ultimately, Christian leads by aligning resilience with vision, ensuring every move advances not just a brand, but a belief in regional potential. Empowerment in Action: Building Trust Through Presence and Shared Purpose Christian has never viewed leadership as a solo endeavor. His philosophy of empowerment goes far beyond buzzwords—it is a lived principle, embedded in how he builds teams and leads operations across borders. He believes that true delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s about cultivating autonomy within a structure of trust and purpose. At Minor Hotels Americas, Christian has nurtured a distributed leadership model that values cultural diversity and cross-functional collaboration, enabling teams from Mexico to Argentina to lead with confidence and clarity. He creates safe spaces where innovation is encouraged, even if it means taking calculated risks. But delegation never means detachment—he remains actively involved, especially when challenges arise. In moments of uncertainty or underperformance, he steps in not with blame but with support, reinforcing a culture where accountability is shared, not imposed. For Christian, real leadership shows up not only in the good times but especially when it’s hardest—proving that trust is best built through consistent presence and unwavering solidarity. The Power of Presence: Leading with Emotional Intelligence and Authenticity Christian leads with intention—not just through strategy, but through presence. He believes emotional intelligence is not a soft skill but a leadership

In an era defined by fleeting trends and digital illusions, Ana Hernando is emerging as a resolute force, shaping timeless emotion in a lasting way. With over 35 years of artistic experience, she has cultivated a singular language of sculpture that transcends the material to communicate directly with the soul. Rooted in classical tradition yet boldly contemporary, her multidisciplinary practice is a testament to leadership through vision, craftsmanship, and emotional depth. Her work speaks not only of artistic mastery but of an unwavering dedication to authenticity. In a world often influenced by market forces, she has remained fiercely committed to the integrity of her process, working by hand, modeling with clay, and carving with reverence. Each piece she creates—sculptures, paintings, medals, or drawings—is a quiet act of resistance against haste, a call to return to the intimacy of creation and connection. Beyond her studio, she has expanded her influence to include design innovation, literature, and education. Her entrepreneurial venture into functional art is now part of the Barcelona Design Museum’s permanent collection, revealing her ability to harmonize aesthetics with utility. As a teacher and author, she brings the same passion to mentoring and storytelling, guiding others through the intersections of creativity and purpose. Hernando is not simply a sculptor; she is a leader of artistic consciousness. Her legacy is transformative, anchoring universal human emotion in form and reminding us that the highest value of such art is not only that it is seen, but that it is felt. Through her work, she offers refuge and revelation. The Basis of Mastery Hernando’s approach to sculpture, and also to painting, is deeply rooted in classical tradition yet distinctly contemporary in its execution. She is inspired by the masters who defined the language of form and space: Michelangelo, Henry Moore, Velázquez, Picasso, Brancusi, Rodin, and Matisse. She often explains that each of these artists inspired her to find her own identity, emphasizing how their influence served as steps to follow rather than limitations on her artistic development. Her commitment to traditional techniques is unwavering. In an age where digital fabrication and technological shortcuts dominate many creative fields, Hernando maintains a hands-on approach that would be familiar to sculptors of centuries past. She prepares her own canvases, builds her structures by hand, crafts models exceeding two meters in height with clay, sculpts stone, and carves wood with minimal mechanical intervention. “I still work by hand. Art offers us an intimate encounter and allows us to stop time. Being able to make my works with that love gives me the opportunity to take care of every detail.” “I enjoy the value of that unique piece, like each of us,” she declares proudly. This dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond mere technique; it represents a philosophical stance on the nature of artistic creation. For Hernando, the physical act of making is inseparable from the emotional content of the work. Every chisel mark, every modeling gesture, every brushstroke conveys the artist’s intention into the material world. The Language of Form Hernando describes the essence of her work as “the search for the synthesis of emotions through balance, beauty, movement, color, refined volumes, and rhythm, with the human figure as the protagonist and with an abstraction where the viewer can see themselves reflected.” This synthesis is revealed in works that manage to be deeply personal and universally accessible. Her artistic motto, “Art for Living,” encapsulates her belief that art should not exist in isolation from daily experience. Instead, her works are designed to convey “those emotions that we sometimes cannot express in words, that connect us to ourselves and to the world.” This philosophy transforms her sculptures and paintings from simple objects into conduits for human connection and understanding. The creative process behind each piece begins with careful observation and reflection. Hernando always keeps a notebook and pencil nearby, capturing the nuances that will influence the outcome. “Sculpture doesn’t allow for many modifications, so those notes are very valuable to me,” she explains. This methodical approach ensures that by the time you begin working with clay, stone, or wood, you have already solved the fundamental problems of communication and expression. A Sculpture Born of Crisis Perhaps no work better exemplifies Hernando’s ability to transform universal human experiences into tangible form than her sculpture ‘We Are Embrace.‘ Created in 2020 during the global pandemic, this piece emerged from a moment when physical connection became simultaneously precious and dangerous. “In the midst of the pandemic, I decided to create a work that would reflect the solidarity that defines who we are as human beings,” she tells us. The sculpture was conceived as a series of seven original bronze pieces, designed to connect seven places in a universal embrace. Four have found their homes, and three still await their destinies. This work represents more than a response to a global crisis; it embodies this artist’s broader artistic vision: “A sculpture to reflect our essence, with lines full of strength and harmony and a volume that contains all emotions: compassion, help, encounter, and hope,” she describes. The piece demonstrates how sculpture can serve as artistic expression and social connection, offering viewers the opportunity to experience collective emotions through individual encounters. Beyond Traditional Boundaries Hernando’s artistic journey has not been limited to traditional sculpture. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to develop the industrial design for a reversible double-walled mug, a project she called ‘C’UP Your Choice on Top!‘ This venture into functional design taught her valuable lessons about the relationship between art and business while producing pieces that have become part of the Barcelona Design Museum’s permanent collection. Staying True in a Changing World In an art world increasingly driven by market trends and social media visibility, Hernando’s commitment to her personal vision stands out. “I am a fully-fledged artist, and that has led me to remain true to what art is for me in each of my creative facets,” she tells us. This dedication to authenticity has allowed her to develop what

The MIT Institute recently announced the creation of a prestigious new faculty position: the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society. This professorship has been made possible by the remarkable generosity and vision of Dr. Richard “Dick” Larson, a longtime MIT professor whose academic legacy stretches over five decades. Known as a “MIT lifer,” Richard has spent the entirety of his influential career contributing to and shaping various academic departments within the institute. This new endowment stands as a living tribute to his dedication to interdisciplinary education and research — a hallmark of both his life and professional ethos. Dr. Richard’s gift represents more than a financial contribution; it is an intentional act of stewardship, meant to perpetuate the principles and passions that defined his own career. Having found academic homes in five departments at MIT, Richard ultimately concluded his journey with the interdepartmental IDSS — an entity that he believes encapsulates the core of his work. By endowing a professorship that centers around data, systems, and society, he hopes to ensure that future scholars continue to pursue impactful research, teaching, and mentorship in these areas. For Richard, these three words symbolize the essential connective tissue of his later career — the tools he used to understand and improve the world. The inaugural recipient of this professorship is Professor Alexander “Sasha” Rakhlin, a distinguished scholar in machine learning, computation, and statistics. The selection not only honors Rakhlin’s outstanding academic record and service to IDSS, but also reflects the spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry that Richard has championed throughout his life. As MIT leadership celebrates the establishment of this endowed chair, they also celebrate Richard’s profound and lasting influence — not just through his scholarship and mentorship, but through a legacy that will now endure in perpetuity. A Career of Transformation Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Richard Larson describes MIT as a fertile ground that allowed him to evolve, explore, and repeatedly redefine the direction of his academic life. Starting in the 1960s with the then-named Department of Electrical Engineering, Richard transitioned across a total of five academic departments, eventually landing within IDSS, an interdisciplinary initiative that he regards as the most authentic representation of his scholarly mission. He expresses gratitude for the freedom MIT provided, which allowed him to pursue new fields of interest without boundaries or restrictions — a rare academic privilege. Richard’s professional arc exemplifies the power of reinvention within academia. From early work in electrical engineering to the expansive domain of systems and society, his intellectual curiosity led him into diverse fields including operations research, emergency services, pandemic modeling, urban logistics, and education innovation. His belief in blending theoretical models with real-world problems catalyzed projects such as disaster planning simulations and the development of smarter public services. In every new venture, he sought meaningful applications of abstract knowledge — a principle that underscores the interdisciplinary goals of IDSS itself. The creation of the Distinguished Professorship in Data, Systems, and Society is, for Richard, the natural culmination of his life’s work. It is both a tribute to the dynamic spirit of MIT and a vehicle to ensure that others will continue exploring the intersection of these three vital domains. In his words, this chair is meant “to keep alive those three words,” empowering future faculty to teach, research, and mentor in ways that reflect the complexity of real-world challenges. A Legacy Beyond Research Alone Dr. Richard’s impact reaches far beyond the realm of academic publications and university accolades. Throughout his career, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to public service, applied research, and education at all levels. One of his notable achievements includes his leadership in the MIT BLOSSOMS initiative — Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies — which produces high-quality STEM video lessons made freely available to students and teachers worldwide. This reflects Richard’s core belief: that science and math education should be engaging, accessible, and grounded in curiosity and critical thinking. In addition to his educational outreach, Richard has been a tireless advocate for the application of operations research to solve pressing societal issues. Whether designing smarter energy systems, modeling emergency response services, or addressing workforce planning inefficiencies, his work has always emphasized practical, data-driven solutions. His recent book, Model Thinking for Everyday Life, brings this philosophy to the broader public, empowering readers with analytical tools to better navigate their personal and professional challenges. With this endowed chair, Richard has chosen to invest not just in individuals, but in the collective future of MIT and its interdisciplinary vision. Professor Rakhlin’s appointment is emblematic of this forward-looking approach. With research that spans neural networks, online prediction, and the complexity of learning systems, Rakhlin embodies the kind of scholar that Richard hopes to inspire through this professorship: bold, collaborative, and rooted in both theory and application. Mentorship, Models, and Meaning Throughout his tenure at MIT, Dr. has mentored countless students, researchers, and colleagues — many of whom credit him with shaping their careers. His mentorship style mirrors his research philosophy: analytical yet empathetic, disciplined yet imaginative. Whether guiding a student through the complexities of queueing theory or encouraging a young professor to explore a new domain, Richard has consistently fostered an environment of intellectual openness and rigor. The impact of such mentorship cannot be overstated. By championing the values of interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research, Richard has left a lasting imprint on MIT’s academic culture. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice has not only expanded the scope of operations research but has also influenced how institutions approach multifaceted global challenges — from climate change to health care delivery. In this context, the creation of a permanent, named professorship is both symbolic and practical. It serves as a beacon for the kind of academic work Richard values most: work that is grounded in solid data, structured through systems thinking, and aimed squarely at societal betterment. As Rakhlin takes on this new role, he does so with a mandate to continue — and