Center for Analytics

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Advancing Data for Equity & Impact

The Center for Analytics at Sacred Heart University is a hub for organizations serving underrepresented and marginalized communities. We unite students, faculty and external partners to tackle real-world problems and drive measurable societal impact across Connecticut.

Our Mission

To serve as a hub for organizations that support underrepresented and marginalized groups. We bring together Sacred Heart University students and faculty, as well as external partners, to address practical, real-world problems while advancing data-driven decision-making and expanding opportunity in Connecticut.

What We Do

The center builds on SHU’s long history at the forefront of data analysis and its strong graduate programs in business analytics & applied AI, computer science & information technology and healthcare informatics. Together, our faculty and students pursue five key objectives:

  1. Strategic Partnerships—Collaborating with organizations seeking practical, data-focused solutions
  2. Applied Problem-Solving—Engaging in hands-on analytics and quantitative research to advance digital equity
  3. Student Engagement—Offering experiential projects, internships and career opportunities
  4. Faculty Collaboration—Connecting faculty expertise with research, business and consulting initiatives
  5. Knowledge Dissemination—Delivering certifications, in-demand short courses, workshops, symposiums and conferences

Partner With Us

We collaborate with nonprofits, public agencies and mission-driven organizations to deliver ethical, sustainable data solutions. Engagement can take many forms:

  • Rapid needs assessments
  • Data infrastructure and governance
  • Dashboards and decision support tools
  • Predictive and prescriptive analytics
  • Program evaluation and outcomes studies
  • Staff upskilling and executive education

The Team

Sonal VatsSonal Vats, Ph.D.

Founding chair of the Center for Analytics and program director for business analytics

Sonal specializes in time series econometrics and health economics with extensive academic and research experience. Vats earned her Ph.D. in economics from Boston University and has held research and teaching positions at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, George Washington University and Eastern Connecticut State University. She is also managing partner of SGMA Consulting LLC, providing economic consulting services in financial and behavioral economics.

Stephen BurrowsStephen C. Burrows, DPM, MBA, FHIMSS

Founding chair of the Center for Analytics and program director for healthcare informatics

Stephen has extensive experience in the clinical medical field and health care information technology. Burrows has held several administrative and informatics roles. He earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, an MBA from Sacred Heart University and a BS in Health and Nutrition Sciences from Brooklyn College. Dr. Burrows is a certified professional in healthcare information & management systems (CPHIMS) and fellow, healthcare information and management systems society (FHIMSS).

Let’s Build Impact Together

Reach out to the Center for Analytics at Sacred Heart University at centerforanalytics@sacredheart.edu to discuss how we can partner on data-driven solutions.