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.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

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 7 years ago

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

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 6 years ago

Sure, it’s Lisa-black@live.com

What questions does the CSI need to ask the police officers who attended the crime scene first?

Asked by Nansi Vladimirova (Undergrad Forensics) over 6 years ago

Usually they’ll tell me the basics, what seems to have happened—there’s a body in the bedroom, this car hit that car, the homeowners came home to a broken front window and are missing jewelry from one bedroom but nothing else. Usually it’s everything they know, in general, but mostly what’s relevant to me. I don’t need to know the whereabouts and timeline for every suspect, but I need to know when the victim was seen last, when the neighbor heard shots, that the gun was removed from the scene for security (which we frown on, but if it’s necessary then it’s necessary), that the one bedroom door is closed because there’s a large dog in there so don’t open it. If there’s anything else I want to know I’ll ask, but usually then they leave me alone to do my thing. Hope that helps!

What IQ do you need to do this job minimum?

Asked by David almost 7 years ago

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

Are the lock down orders constitutional

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE about 6 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.

Can a dried blood sample found 10-20 years after a crime be used to find a killer?

Asked by Micah over 6 years ago

Yes, absolutely. As long as the sample is dried thoroughly before it can decompose and kept someplace dry and not overly humid or hot, it would be fine.

Is investigative forensics the same as forensic science?

Asked by Chris74 over 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.