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

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 over 5 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.

337 Votes

You have been asked to rush DNA testing for a homicide case. What information would you request before deciding if you think the testing should take priority over other cases? What ethical framework would you use to help make your decision?

Asked by Albus over 5 years ago

At my agency we send all DNA testing to the state lab. We can give them the scenario of our crime and ask them to rush testing, but how they decide to handle their casework is entirely up to them.

336 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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

What are some types of questions you wished people would stop asking

Asked by question to all over 5 years ago

Thanks for asking! I wish kids would stop cutting and pasting their homework questions for me to answer for them.

336 Votes

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 over 5 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.

335 Votes

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Asked by sd over 5 years ago

If you're trying to ask something, you need to be more specific.

335 Votes

be honest has there ever been someone you did not like and where happy to see their lifeless body?

Asked by sdf over 5 years ago

I've never known anyone who became one of our victims, so no.

335 Votes

Hi Lisa, I am studying forensics for a project and I came across a couple images that have me stumped. I think they may be phony, but not sure. They are from a gore site (they are non nude). Can you help me determine some things about these pics?

Asked by HG over 5 years ago

What is it you’re going to want to know about them, because I may or may not be able to help.

335 Votes

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