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 is the point in giving a poly graph if it’s not even admissible in court except for in specific circumstances? (Usually if only the defense and prosecutors agree)

Asked by Zarah over 4 years ago

That's not something I have anything to do with--it's the detectives' and/or attorneys' decision. I supposed they think if they get results that are really surprising it can hint if they're looking at the right people or not.

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?

Is it ever weird cutting into and doing pretty nasty things to a dead person?

Asked by Jason over 4 years ago

I do not work at a coroner’s/medical examiner so I don’t cut anyone. At a crime scene I might examine the eyes or test the limbs for rigor or look for injuries but that’ s about it.

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.

Thanks for your quick response.

Besides black powder, do I need to use a special type of brush and/or lighting such as a UV light to uncover gloveprints?

I should add that the color of the Nitrile gloves I am trying to obtain prints from are blue.

Asked by Richard Gray over 4 years ago

No, just a regular brush, and UV light, as far as anyone here knows, wouldn’t make any difference. The gloves will, however, leave more traces the longer they are worn.

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.