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

Does it help my chances of employment if I am a certified peace officer? I know your a civilian but if having the added peace officer certification along with everything else does it help, hurt, or make no difference? Plus I get to carry a gun and badge

Asked by Parker over 5 years ago

I would think it would help because it would show some familiarity with law enforcement agency procedures. Even if you work for a completely civilian agency such as a medical examiner’s office, you would still be interacting with law enforcement constantly, so I would think it would help. Though even if you can carry a gun and badge in your everyday life, you probably wouldn’t be able to carry it on the job unless it was all right with your employer.

I'm graduating in may with my forensic science bachelor's degree, and I'm getting emails from employers inviting me to apply Still, I'm hesitant, they'll just tell me they need A person now When did you apply for a job in forensics during your degree

Asked by mike g over 5 years ago

Sorry it took me so long to reply! I applied after I got the degree. THat’s kind of odd that they would tell you to apply—does the position require a degree? It couldn’t hurt to contact them for more information and make it clear you won’t have your degree until May and would need to finish your schooling as well. But jobs aren’t easy to come by, so if they’re that interested. In you , you might as well find out more. Best of luck!

To my previous question, the victim claimed that her finger nail fell off during our fight but she bit them off and might also include my own DNA because she was hitting me but Bite mark is the best option and the finger nails were polished in red

Asked by Aj about 5 years ago

Well it's worth a try. However, you should be aware that bite marks are not usually accepted as reliable evidence in court any more.

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 5 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.

I need to know how can I get blood group from old dried blood?

Asked by Mou about 5 years ago

They used to do that in serology, taking threads soaked in the blood and putting them in tiny pools of blood type reagents. I don’t know exactly what the reagents were, sorry, that had never been part of my duties. But if you research old serological techniques you should find it.

Best of luck!

How do you do a ride along?

Asked by Cale over 5 years ago

Contact your local PD and ask what their procedure is. You will probably have to fill out an application and a waiver. Best of luck!

Do you have any suggestions for a research topic in forensic science for a class project?

Asked by HG271 almost 5 years ago

Wow, that’s a tough question—I can think of projects and experiments, but research....and what ages? I can ask my coworkers for suggestions.