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

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

Asked by Jim over 5 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.

I would like to become a forensic scientist but I would like to know the job market whether I could find a job easily.

Asked by Miriam about 5 years ago

That depends on where you live or where you want to work. You can check job vacancy postings at local agencies, or if you’re willing to relocate then check vacancy postings on organization websites like American Academy of Forensic Science or International Association for Identification. That will give you an idea of what is available and what the requirements are. Best of luck!

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.

Do you wear a white suit? If so why or why not? What is really the point?

Asked by Benny over 5 years ago

Do you mean a Tyvek suit? To prevent cross contamination? We have whole body suits but have not yet had a scene that required them. We will wear disposable booties and of course gloves for any homicide scene. Sometimes the point, as with fentanyl and COVID risks, is to protect ourselves, and sometime the point is protect the scene and keep from dragging trace evidence from outside the scene to inside the scene.

Haha what if some of your old co workers see your post LAMO that’s too funny

Asked by Mike about 5 years ago



¿qo? ?no? ???l no? op

Asked by uu?W?W p???p about 5 years ago

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

Do you think a forensic science certificate of proficiency (or any other forensic science certificates) is beneficial in any way?

Asked by Christina over 4 years ago

Yes, certification in any discipline is definitely a good thing to put on a resume.