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

Do you ever use a CB radio that the cops and dispatchers use?

Asked by Random over 4 years ago

We used to, but only when we were at crime scenes, we wouldn’t have it on all the time when we are in the office. But somehow they went to new ones and we didn’t get any and have done without them since.

Should we be able to use torture on suspects during interrogations?!

Asked by Dan over 4 years ago

How does that question relate to forensics?

I want to work as a forensic scientist and was wondering if doing a criminology and forensic science course is just a good as doing a forensic science course. I would like to know if an employer would favor one over the other?

Asked by av over 4 years ago

That depends entirely 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.

I would like to know if an autopsy conducted on a woman buried in dry soil for three years
could determine if she had an abortion, being the cause of her death.
Thank you
Karen

Asked by karen_west@bigpond.com over 3 years ago

That’s a good question…I know that the human body will either decompose or desiccate, so if the conditions were right and she dried out instead of breaking down, then the body might be largely preserved. But what could be determined from an autopsy would be a question for a pathologist, I’m afraid. Sorry I’m not more help.

What do you think about that show on the weather channel when weather helped solve crimes?

Asked by Jocub over 4 years ago

I have not seen it.

Why in regards to these riots do some police not do anything and let them tear things up? ANTIFA is now a terrorist organization SO WHY JUST SIT THERE AND DO NOTHING?!

Asked by Tina over 4 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.

Last question. I'm sorry, these were for my class.
If you were just choosing a career field, would you still choose to be a forensic scientist? Why or why not?

Asked by Jessie about 3 years ago

Yes, absolutely. I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy as much.