Michelle Larson

Michelle Beauvais Larson is an American astrophysicist and academic administrator serving as president of Clarkson University since 2025. Previously, Larson served for more than a decade as the president and chief executive order of the Adler Planetarium, beginning her tenure in 2013. She was the institution's ninth leader and its first female president.

Early life and education Larson was born in Massachusetts. As a child, she lived in Turkey due to her father's work as a U.S. Air Force accountant before the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, when she was ten years old. Larson earned a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in physics from Montana State University. She completed her postdoctoral work in high-energy astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology. She shifted the institution's public approach from one of traditional education to one of engaging people to join in the journey of scientific discovery. This was highlighted by a marketing campaign with the slogan "Space is freaking awesome," which aimed to make the museum feel accessible and fun while taking its science seriously. Under her tenure, attendance grew steadily, hitting a record 568,814 visitors in 2016. The Adler also worked to create exhibits and shows that coincided with major scientific announcements, such as the discovery of gravitational waves and the search for a theoretical ninth planet.

On February 5, 2025, Clarkson University's Board of Trustees announced Larson's appointment as the institution's next president. The selection was made after a search committee, which included students, faculty, alumni, and trustees, considered more than 50 applicants. Her tenure began on April 1, 2025. Larson is the first woman president in the university's 128-year history.

Personal life Larson is married to Shane Larson, who is also an astrophysicist. They have one daughter. Her husband is a faculty member at Clarkson University's Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.