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

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 over 4 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.

Hi,

You recently advised that a simple black powder would reveal glove prints deposited by Nitrile gloves. Would Latent Silk Black Print Powder, manufactured by a company called Sirchie be a good choice?

Thank you.

Asked by Richard Gray about 5 years ago

Sure--any good quality black powder should have the same effect.

How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep

Asked by How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep over 4 years ago

I wouldn't be involved with cases like this so I don't know. In my experience with homeless camps the people are usually not too cooperative and don't want to leave, so I haven't seen this happen.

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 about 4 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.

How would you react to this crime scene as well as solve it?

https://youtu.be/o8MEZwcw06A?t=1732

Asked by Seth over 4 years ago

Sorry, I can't click on unknown links. However, in general terms, I don't react to crime scenes, at least as much as possible. I need to treat each one objectively and consistently, so I'd conduct the same relevant duties as I would at any other crime scene--photo, sketch, collect evidence, etc. And I don't really 'solve' crimes--I provide the forensic support to help the detective solve the crime.

Hope that helps!

How can we detect the GHB from urine sample by LCMS?
Is there any simple method?

Asked by Eman almost 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I’ve never worked in toxicology. Sorry I couldn’t help!

I have to choose my major so are there branches of this career like examining bodies etc or does a forensic scientist have to do it all and what subjects should i take in school the subjects that my school provides are phys bio maths chem

Asked by dania over 5 years ago

All of those are good. Take as many science courses as you can. Much depends 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.