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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988 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

How do most people enter this career?

Asked by Beanie over 4 years ago

Get a degree in forensic science or a natural science and apply to a crime lab or police agency.

269 Votes

Hi can civilian employees carry a weapon on duty?

Asked by Lisa over 4 years ago

No, not that I know of. No reason to, and I wouldn't want to anyway. I have enough stuff to carry around.

267 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

Also, what do you think about the Tiger King deal?

Asked by Donald over 4 years ago

I haven’t seen it. I’d like to, but I don’t have Netflix.

267 Votes

Are you ever kept up at night from things you see? What about when you see someone dead or even severely wonder how does it not get into your brain my gosh this could be me! Or someone else you love plus I mean their a human being too.

Asked by Jason over 4 years ago

No. It’s more of a general awareness that ‘life is short, so enjoy every minute’. Which I think is a good thing.

265 Votes

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Can you be a CSI agent if you have a history of bipolar/depression?

Asked by Striving over 4 years ago

As far as I know, certainly.

259 Votes

Another question why do police sometimes make themselves look bad by interviewing psychics, necromancers, magic star sign people, etc?

Asked by Joker over 4 years ago

I've never seen that happen in my personal experience.

253 Votes

Which degrees are best to pursue for someone who wants to go into forensic investigation or forensic technician work?

Asked by Maria over 4 years ago

Forensic science degrees or degrees in biology or chemistry. If you want to go into DNA analysis specifically, then perhaps genetics would be good too. Best of luck to you!

251 Votes