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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

¿qo? ?no? ???l no? op

Asked by uu?W?W p???p almost 6 years ago

Weird--that looks fine in my email but is distorted on this site.

Would it best to get a bachelors degree in Forensic behavioral sciences, or would an associates degree be ok? I dint mind spending the time and money on the bachelors but if an associates is the same then I'll go that route. Thank you for any info.

Asked by DarkBigFootfromTealJungle over 5 years ago

If you’re looking at behavioral psychology, I’m afraid I have no idea what job requirements would be. Try to find the websites of professional organizations, like American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and check their job vacancy postings for job requirements. I’m sure there must be national organizations of behavioral psychology as well, and they should be able to guide you. Best of luck to you.

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 about 6 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.

Take LAW AND ORDER SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT. What are things that they promote that are false and what things do they not really show that is real. I know like y’all don’t work on one case at a time I honestly think it would be more entertaining if they did it sorta more realistic where their working on multiple cases

Asked by DANNCY about 6 years ago

I don't watch the show, so I couldn't comment. But fiction is meant to be entertaining, and it's usually more satisfying to focus on one story at a time.

What do you think of Ms. Maxwell? Just whatever you think

Asked by Jim about 6 years ago

I’m sorry but to be honest, I haven’t thought of her at all. I don’t know any more about the case than you do—probably considerably less—and I’m not aware of the relevant forensic evidence. And like most I’ve had many more immediately personal issues to hold my attention in recent months so I’m afraid I can’t help you.

how did the trace evidence of the leanne tiernan case play a role? im doing an assignment for my forensics class

Asked by theresa barnes over 5 years ago

I'm sorry but I have not heard of that case.

Is it possible to detect K2 sprayed/soaked on paper with a UV/ Black light flashlight?

Asked by Nick over 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with what K2 is.