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

Why do so many think Gorge Floyd was a race issue?

Asked by Parker 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.

I'm looking at going to school to be a forensic scientist; what are the best things to look for in a school?

Asked by Kaelyn about 6 years ago

Take as many science courses as you can. Much depends on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. I would also suggest that you look for schools that have hands-on lab work with forensic topics such as fingerprints or crime scene work. Best of luck to you.

If a dad commits suicide while his son is in the passenger seat, is the manner of death for the son considered as homicide? or accident?

Asked by Ritchelle almost 6 years ago

If the father caused the death of the son, then it's homicide. If he didn't know the son was there, it's accident (or maybe manslaughter, I don't know the precise legalities).

I found my finance on the floor but his legs were bent perfect and his knees together on top of each other. How is that possible? I'm thinking someone killed him

Asked by Shell almost 6 years ago

That's quite possible, the body reacts with the fetal position to many circumstances. I responded to a fatal traffic accident--it actually happened right in front of me--and the victim was thrown from the truck, and that's exactly how I found her. However, bodies and causes of death are really questions for a pathologist.

What would happen if someone was eating brains line in IZombie?

Asked by Darla about 6 years ago

They would put themselves at risk of contracting kuru, which is similar to Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.

Can “teen” porn on the internet be considered child pornography even if the people in them are not children but prenteding to be young teens/children

Asked by Sammy about 6 years ago

I don’t know. Luckily I don’t have to deal with those cases other than assisting in a search warrant, since I am not trained in downloading computers and phones (my coworker does that). I think you’’d have to ask a lawyer.

Should police departments be defunded?

Asked by Mark about 6 years ago

Again, I'm not an expert in public safety policy, so I don't know any more about the implications than you do.