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

Do you think Jeffrey epstein Killed himself?

Asked by Karma about 5 years ago

I don’t know any more about it than you do.

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

Asked by Micah over 4 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.

A Man is found dead near rail track falling from a train. Can a forensic expert say whether he jumped or accidentally fell or pushed by somebody from train?

Asked by Maria Rose almost 5 years ago

I see that on TV all the time but I have a hard time believing it. But I don't know personally. Sorry!

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 almost 5 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 about 5 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!

Can a decades-old used latex condom buried with a body still have dna evidence in it that can be tested?

Asked by J.J. White almost 5 years ago

If it were allowed to dry and kept dry, then it's possible, though the odds would be incredibly slim since the decomposition fluids from the body would most like overwhelm it. It's worth a try.

Have you ever had to go to court for a case?

Asked by Jay almost 5 years ago

Yes, about 60 times over 25 years. But not nearly as often as you'd think.