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

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.

Have you ever seen something that traumatized you before?

Asked by Saul over 6 years ago

There was a really bad case of elder abuse that I think I blocked out of my mind for the most part, because I can picture only a brief image of it while I remember everything else about the call. Other than that, no.

What changes in DNA identification technology have you seen over the past ten years? What have been the biggest/most significant changes?

Asked by Diana over 6 years ago

Probably 'touch' DNA, getting a DNA profile from someone's skin cells where they touched something. It's always a bit of a crapshoot because without a visible stain, you can't be sure there's any DNA there at all. But it's worth a try and sometimes we get results.



Why are some people with jobs like yours some people are sworn officers usually working as detectives/investigators and other times not?

Asked by 345 over 6 years ago

It’s whatever the particular agency’s Standard Operating Procedures require. Each police agency can make their own requirements.

Hi, lets say someone committed statutory rape on one person on only one occasion. Could they be charged with rape, inciting a minor, child molestation, and sodomy

Asked by Davi almost 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. I have no legal training. You'd have to ask a cop or a lawyer.

Hi question to get away from this whole COVID-19 crap. What do you think your life would be like if your job was just like on TV? Better, worse, the same, how?

Asked by was this 100 years ago or over 6 years ago

Excellent question! I’d have more equipment, more salary and more hair, so that would be better. I would also apparently have no life outside my job, so that would be worse.

I really want to pursue a career in forensics, however I am discouraged in the requirements of mathematics. Where do those studies become practical and a part of the daily grind?

Asked by Jess over 6 years ago

I don't know of any particular mathematics requirements. You'd need enough basic math skills to balance chemical equations, calculate reagents in formulas, and record accurate measurements. Ballistics or accident investigation might need more advanced skills, but I would not know about that. Good luck!