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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

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!

Also, is it possible to specifically detect that the DNA is from saliva and nothing else?

Asked by AJ about 4 years ago

I don't believe so, but I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years so I'm not the best person to ask. I know there's an amylase test for saliva, but I don't know if it's used any more. And if you have a mixture I doubt it would be possible to tell what DNA is from what bodily fluid.

Question regarding site not this sorry, but after you answer a question are you able to go back and edit it or even delete it afterword's

Asked by Sarah over 4 years ago

Yes.

is there any device in existance which can sense a possible forensic evidence and give you something to strat search with????

Asked by rekhab almost 4 years ago

That depends on the kind of forensic evidence.

Would a B.A. in physiology be an acceptable degree for pursuing a career in forensics?

Asked by Abigail almost 4 years ago

Any agency can use whatever requirements they want, so some (like mine) require only a high school diploma (but give extra points for advanced degrees, so we all have degrees). Some might require a Bachelor’s in any subject but give more points for forensic training—or not. The only way to know is check their job postings. Best of luck!

Is it Unauthorized Practice Of Medicine to make someone wear a mask that is classified by the FDA as a medical device? I think so tell my why, why not, or if you can't or don't know how to answr. Thanks

Asked by Maria almost 4 years ago

I have absolutely no idea.

Do you think if someone had all the training and experience plus is post certified do you think they would have a better or the same chance at getting a job a civilian can get? As well about advancements? I guess it could be like anything else the more the better. Right?

Asked by Terry over 4 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by post certified?