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Madison Turner (’27) is turning a lifelong curiosity about human behavior into a career in forensic psychology at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Prescott Campus.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology, Madison is building a future at the intersection of psychology, criminal justice and advocacy through academic achievement, research and service.

A Lifelong Interest Takes Shape

Madison’s interest in human behavior began in childhood, when she found herself observing how people think, make decisions and respond to different situations. As she got older, that curiosity deepened through true crime media and early exposure to law enforcement in her family.

“My uncle and grandpa are both police officers, so I grew up hearing their stories,” Madison said. “That sparked my interest in understanding criminal behavior.”

As she explored her interests, forensic psychology became a natural fit, combining psychology with the justice system.

“Being able to apply psychological principles to understand why people make certain decisions is something I’ll never get tired of,” she said.

Finding Opportunity at Embry-Riddle

Madison chose Embry-Riddle for its small class sizes and its Forensic Psychology program. Already familiar with the Prescott Campus through her older sister, she valued the opportunity to build relationships with faculty.

“I wanted a school where I could connect with my professors and gain hands-on experience early,” she said.

That decision has already led to research opportunities often reserved for graduate students.

“Every professor I’ve had has gone above and beyond to support me,” she said.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Madison is active in several campus organizations, including Psi Chi International Honor Society, Delta Delta Epsilon Beta Eta, the Global Security and Intelligence Student Organization and Eagle Eye Intelligence, the university’s intelligence writing publication.

As treasurer of Eagle Eye, she has strengthened her leadership and organizational skills.

She also joined the Cold Case Capstone project as a research assistant during her second semester, where students contribute to ongoing efforts that support families and identify new leads in unresolved cases.

“That experience taught me how to advocate for victims and handle sensitive information,” she said. “It also strengthened my ability to organize and analyze large amounts of data.”

Presenting Research at a National Conference

One of Madison’s most significant academic experiences was presenting her research at the .

Initially unsure about submitting her work, she was encouraged by Kelly Crockett, an instructor in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department, to take the opportunity.

“I didn’t think I was ready,” she said. “I was nervous about presenting to professionals with so much experience.”

Participating in the event helped her build confidence, strengthen her presentation skills and connect with professionals in the field. She now has an opportunity to secure additional funding for her research.

“It showed me what my future could look like,” she said.

Expanding Research and Real-World Impact

This summer, Madison will lead a research project with a fellow student focused on forensic interview techniques for juvenile victims of human trafficking.

The project aims to address gaps in existing research by combining academic literature with insights from local agencies.

“We want to create something that can actually help professionals in the field,” Madison said.

She is also exploring volunteer opportunities at a crisis center to gain real-world experience while supporting individuals in need.

“I think that experience will help me become a better psychologist and a better student,” she said.

Grounded and Focused

Madison credits her support system with helping her stay motivated. Friends, family and mentors have played an important role in her growth.

“I’ve been lucky to find people here who are just as driven,” she said. “That environment pushes you to keep improving.”

Her family instilled a strong work ethic early on.

“I was raised to give my full effort in everything I do,” she said.

Future Forward

Madison’s goals have evolved since arriving at Embry-Riddle. Once interested in law enforcement, she now plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and eventually become a forensic evaluator.

Her experiences have shown her the value of staying open to new opportunities while continuing to grow.

“Embry-Riddle has shown me that it’s okay for your goals to change,” she said.

Her advice to other students is to take initiative and build connections.

“Go talk to your professors,” she said. “Those relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.”

From the classroom to a national conference, Madison is building a strong foundation for a future in forensic psychology, driven by curiosity and a commitment to helping others.