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Gangs and Crime (CJ 310)

Term: 2025-2026 Fall

Faculty

Heather Burkard

Hi! I’m Dr. Heather Burkard.

I’m a Criminologist and Forensic Specialist with over 25 years of experience in criminal justice, forensics, and higher education. I’ve worked as a crime scene investigator, medicolegal death investigator, and prosecutorial investigator, and I’m passionate about connecting real-world forensic science to the classroom.

I’m a court-qualified expert in crime scene investigation, and my research interests include forensic science, death investigations, and investigative methodology. I’ve taught at both the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels for more than a decade, and I stay actively engaged in the field through professional development, collaboration with investigators, and by staying up to date on current research and evolving forensic and investigative techniques.

I am also a member of CMPD's Homicide Cold Case Team, and at CU, I teach a hands-on homicide cold case review team class. This course gives select in-person students the opportunity to work on real unsolved homicide cases with me. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect students with meaningful, applied learning experiences.

And my connection to the field doesn’t stop with me — my husband is a Homicide Sergeant with CMPD in Charlotte, where he’s served for 25 years. You may have even seen him featured on several episodes of The First 48.

I’m looking forward to our engagement while you puruse your degree at CU! 

 

Office: Deeds Hall 203 D

Office # 336-714-7920

Norman G. Kuylen
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Norman Kuylen is a retired FBI Special Agent with 20 years of experience in various types of criminal and national security cases. He conducted investigations of federal violations in Oklahoma, Puerto Rico and North Carolina.  As an Agent, Norman was a member of Safe Streets Task Forces while investigating violent crimes, gang matters, drug trafficking organizations, and public corruption, among others. In his last six years as an Agent, he worked as a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Triad and surrounding areas of North Carolina. Norman also supported investigative efforts in New Orleans, LA, in support of Civil Rights violations related to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  

Soon after joining the FBI, Norman joined the FBI’s Evidence Response Team (ERT), an ancillary duty, to which he dedicated a considerable amount of his time. While assigned in Puerto Rico, he was appointed as one of the ERT Team Leaders, a position he maintained when he was transferred to North Carolina. Norman has been involved in the processing and management of many crime scenes in support of federal violations, and at the state and local levels when requested. Due to his involvement in certain types of crime scenes, Norman was certified and testified as an Expert Witness in the federal courts. 

Norman developed an interest in teaching within the FBI and pursued the FBI’s Adjunct Faculty Program certification. As an adjunct, he taught Crime Scene Management courses throughout Latin America, Thailand, at the ERT Training Center, and at several law enforcement agencies in North Carolina. He was also invited as a guest speaker to several colleges and universities, the NC American Case Management Association, and in Mexico City to present the ERT concept to leaders and managers of forensic science programs. 

Before joining the FBI, Norman served more than 13 years in the US Air Force; nine in logistics and four in military intelligence. During his time in the Air Force, Norman deployed to Southwest Asia on several occasions, including during the response to the 9/11 attacks. He separated from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant. 

Norman has a Bachelor's in Science/Information Systems Management from the University of Phoenix. He achieved this while serving on active duty in the Air Force. 

Though born in the USA, Norman was raised in San Jose, Costa Rica, until the age of 19. Therefore, he is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.  

He has been married to Laura for 33 years, and they have two adult children and a grandchild that live in North Carolina. Spending time with family is important to Norman and his wife, Laura, and they visit relatives in Costa Rica as frequently as possible. 

Mountain biking and woodworking take up most of Norman's spare time. He and Laura love to travel and look forward to discovering new places and cultures in the near future. 

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Description

This course examines the impact of gangs on families, communities, police, and the criminal
justice system. Modern day implications from gang-related violence will be analyzed and solutions
examined. The historical and ever-changing dynamics of criminal gangs in society, both inside and
outside of prison will be included. Students are also expected to gain an understanding of modern
technological tools aimed at tackling gang activity.