Background and Experience

Professional Background

Larry was professor of chemical engineering at MIT from 1962-1990. During his tenure at MIT he pioneered the use of computers in chemical engineering education and was co-founder of CACHE (Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Education). He was principal investigator of the ASPEN Project at MIT from 1976-1981 that developed the ASPEN software widely used for process simulation and design.

Larry founded Aspen Technology in 1981 and served as Chairman until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership the company grew from a start-up venture to become the leading provider of software for the chemical process industries. The company went public in 1994. Its software is used for design, operation, and optimization of process manufacturing facilities worldwide.

AIChE Experience

  • AIChE member for 43 years
  • AIChE Board of Directors from 1981-1983
  • AIChE Fellow
  • Trustee AIChE Foundation
  • AIChE Awards Committee 2000-2005
  • Active member of Boston local section (the Ichthyologists)
  • CAST Division Computing in Chemical Engineering Award 1980
  • Chemical Engineering Practice Award in1999
  • Fuels & Petrochemicals Division Award 2002

Other Professional Activities

  • CACHE Executive Officer 1974-1980
  • Rice University Chemical Engineering Advisory Committee 1999-Present
  • University of Michigan Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee 1999-Present
  • University of Oklahoma Board of Visitors 2000-Present

Awards and Honors

  • Entrepreneur of the Year in New England 1997
  • Named by Fortune Magazine as Hero in Manufacturing 1999
  • Elected to the National Academy of Engineering 2001
  • Chemical Engineering Magazine Personal Achievement Award 2002
  • University of Oklahoma Distinguished Graduates Society 2003

Education

  • BS Chemical Engineering, University of Oklahoma 1956
  • MSE Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan 1957
  • PhD Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan 1962

Personal

Larry and his wife, Beverley, live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They have two sons and three grandchildren. Larry has been a lifelong bicycle enthusiast and can often be seen on the bicycle paths around the Charles River.