Turning Numbers Into Change: Dr. Eona Harrison Leads a Data Revolution

When Dr. Eona Harrison joined Bowie State University three years ago, she stepped into a role tailor-made for her passions and expertise. As Director of Bowie State's Center for Data Analytics (CDA), she leads a team that provides data analysis, insights and training across university programs. 

"I'm a self-proclaimed data nerd. Formally, I'm trained as a demographer, which is a fancy way of saying that I study, interpret and evaluate data related to population growth, decline and behavior." 

This past spring, Harrison delivered a powerful presentation to help inform Maryland legislation that addresses problem gambling among college students. Thanks to her training, she spotted striking gambling patterns from a survey conducted by Bowie State's Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Prevention Center.

"My skill is really understanding the reasons behind the data and communicating that story to help people fully understand the impacts on the well-being of a population. It's very important to not just throw a number up there, but to help people see what it means and how to engage with that data point as a springboard for important conversations." 

Sparking important conversations about the "whys" of behavioral trends is at the core of Harrison's academic passion. Before arriving at Bowie State, she conducted research at the U.S. Census Bureau and the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., where she applied an equity and structural lens to investigate pathways that contribute to racial inequities in maternal health, infant and child outcomes, and community well-being. It's a perspective she uses in every project. 

"I come from institutions where I was the only Black person or woman in the room, even during my studies. Folks would be talking about what Black Americans do or trends in Black countries, and I thought, why am I the only one here? We've got to change this." 

Those experiences inspired her to pursue work at an HBCU, where she could empower students, especially those historically underrepresented in data-driven fields, to see themselves as analysts, storytellers and change-makers. 

Her data-driven voice and ability to tell the stories behind the numbers have become influential in wider conversations, and it's a skill she works to cultivate among students.  

The Data Analytics Research Trading and Technology (DARTT) Lab, located on the first floor of the Center for Business and Graduate Studies, is a place for Bulldogs to discover how to use, manage and apply data through tools like Excel, Python and statistical software.   

"I'm excited to take the skills I've developed in previous spaces where I was the only person who looked like me and bring them to a place where I can encourage students to change that dynamic. I love data so much, but I know it can be scary for some folks. That's why I encourage students to come to the DARTT Lab, see data in a different light and use it to build on what they're already learning." 

Harrison recalls a recent collaboration with faculty and students in the Sport Management major.  

"Bringing my data mindset, I spent four weeks working with Professor Alex Anderson to build modules into his curriculum to make sure students get exposure to data and analytics."  

Her approach reshaped how students understand the industry, and her impact resonated. 

"Ever since, I've seen students from that class across campus, and they say, 'Dr. Harrison, when are you coming back? We miss you!'" 

Ultimately, the use of analytics strengthens the university's capacity to examine issues empirically. Harrison says she is committed to leveraging data to inform changes in programs, services and policy. 

Harrison says she is committed to leveraging data to inform changes in programs, services and policy.

"I tell everybody at BSU, if you ever need any data or help with the insights, you know where to come. We got you."