Embry-Riddle Forensic Psychology Student Solves Cold Cases

Maylynn Burns (’26), a Forensic Psychology student at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, helps grieving families find closure by applying research and open-source intelligence to cold case investigations.

In high school, Maylynn loved studying psychology and had a keen interest in forensics. When she found out her interests could be combined at Embry-Riddle's Prescott, Arizona, campus, Maylynn knew the program was for her.

“I fell in love with the campus and small class size,” she said. “I knew coming to Embry-Riddle meant I would be challenged in ways that would help me grow, and that is exactly what happened.”

The connection between mental disorders and behavioral patterns — and how they affect criminal development in utero, throughout childhood and into adulthood — fascinates Maylynn. 

Building a Support System

Maylynn found a robust support system of mentors, professors and peers at Embry-Riddle. With their encouragement, she has achieved more than she dreamed of.

“My mentor, Professor Kelly Crockett, always told me to keep pushing myself,” Maylynn reflected. “She had an open-door policy, allowing me to come to her for advice even when she was busy.”

That’s not uncommon with professors in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department. When she had trouble with a concept, her professors were available to explain and provide feedback, showing how much they care about student success.

Her support system also included peers who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone.

“There were many long nights when they stayed with me in the library while I printed posters, wrote and re-wrote abstracts and sorted through research articles,” Maylynn said. “When I wasn’t sure that I wanted to present research, they pushed me.”

Making an Impact Through Research

Maylynn founded the Embry-Riddle Cold Case Task Force and was honored to present her research on the use of open-source intelligence to solve cold cases at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ 2026 conference.

In a workshop presentation, she explained to educators and law enforcement personnel how beneficial cold case programs can be. She also presented a poster session illustrating how open-source intelligence aids cold-case investigations with limited context and information.

“Presenting at the conference was an experience I will never forget. I felt that everything I had accomplished during my time at Embry-Riddle was out in the open for all to see,” she reflected. “There were attendees with way more experience than I have in forensics and cold cases, but they listened and asked me questions.”

Learning to be Resilient

Maylynn is proud of her work on the Cold Case Task Force. She’s watched the group grow and become friends while working on unsolved cases.

They don’t always find the answers they’re looking for, and Maylynn has learned she needs a fresh perspective when that happens.

“There have been several times I couldn’t find the statistics I wanted, autopsy reports or existing research,” she said. “Learning to work through those challenges has helped me find new ways to look at cases.”

Finding Inspiration in Family

Motivated by her close family ties, including her “found family” at Embry-Riddle, Maylynn draws on their support to stay focused and push through challenges.

“My sister and I grew up extremely close, and she always reminds me how proud she is to have me as an older sister and role model,” she said. “My roommate has been my rock — always there when my thoughts are muddy and I need to clear my mind. They both have hearts of gold.”

Maylynn’s love of family colors her work with the task force.

“I know that each cold case represents a family who has been affected by the loss of a loved one, so when I hit roadblocks, I think of the families that we are helping,” she said. “It’s very sobering when you think about the effect your work has on people.”

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

When faced with a challenge, Maylynn believes in facing it directly. Mentorship matters, and she suggests finding a mentor who focuses on making you a stronger individual, student and future employee.

“At university, you are going to face huge challenges and stressors, but you are going to do things that you never saw yourself doing,” she said. “Don’t doubt yourself — you are exactly where you need to be.”