Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

What IQ do you need to do this job minimum?

Asked by David almost 6 years ago

As absolutely no agency I've ever heard of requires an IQ test for hire, I would have no idea.

What do you think the worst thing you age ever seen in your job so far is?

Asked by Richard almost 6 years ago

Probably a small plane crash. And one terrible case of elder neglect.

Why does the BLM not give a half a shit about the Australian American woman who was shot?

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE over 5 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.

what does it take to become an forensic investigator? I am currently in sixth form and looking for a course in forensic investigation and wish for some extra information on what else would be needed.

Asked by Hannah brown over 5 years ago

titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

I'm working on a blog, and one of the topics is DNA. I need to explain how it is extracted in a way an educated teen would understand. Could you please tell me how exactly it is done (including the processes in each stage)?
Thank you for your time!

Asked by Ananya almost 6 years ago

I’m sorry, but I can’t. I haven’t done DNA analysis in over 20 years. Sorry I couldn’t help!

Is investigative forensics the same as forensic science?

Asked by Chris74 almost 6 years ago

Sorry, I answered this right away but somehow it didn't 'take'.

I'm not familiar with the term, but I would guess so.

Hi my name is Olivia a I was wondering if I can have your email because I have a research paper on forenscience and I have to interview someone if you get a chance can u email me livia.alexander@aol.com

Asked by Olivia A over 5 years ago

Sure, it’s Lisa-black@live.com