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

How long does saliva DNA stay on an object? In other words, for how long the DNA is detectable?

Asked by Aj almost 4 years ago

That depends entirely on the circumstances. If a sample of anything--blood, saliva, semen--is properly dried and kept in relatively dry conditions at a steady low temperature, or even frozen, it can last for decades. If the temperature and humidity vary greatly, then the sample could break down. If it's stored in plastic or airtight when wet it could rot and decompose.

I need to write an extended essay for school about an area of my interest. What is a forensic science method which still needs some research. I need to conduct an experiment and form a conclusion from my hypothesis.

Asked by Yusra over 4 years ago

Arson investigations, bitemarks...though those might be difficult to do experiments on. Best practices for visualizing superglued fingerprints depending on the surface? Genealogical tracing?

Best of luck!

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

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

Asked by Seth over 3 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!

What if you set someone up with white powder with kool aid that turns colors with water say its red kool aid will it test positive by dying the thing even if it would other wise work just fine? Asking for a friend ;)

Asked by Darren almost 4 years ago

Interesting idea, but again I don't know. I don't know what liquid is used for the tests, so that might affect things.

Outside of work are you interested in True Crime? Before you where a Forensic Scientist and a true crime author ?? where you into true crime? Fictional or real cases as well

Asked by Mr. Treesorrow over 3 years ago

Yes, I love true crime. I read pretty much the entire section of the downtown branch of the Cleveland Public Library while I was a secretary before I got into forensics. The books I write are fiction but I'd love to write true crime.

Why do you delete so many questions?

Asked by Terry over 3 years ago

Why do you post questions that need to be deleted? Most people have better things to do.

Hey? Do you like your job? Kind of a test question I got a bigger one comming

Asked by Claire over 3 years ago

Like any job it has its tedious moments, but yes I like it.