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

Have, is, or are there any of your books that are, is, or will be a movie?

Asked by 272 about 6 years ago

Trace Evidence, my first book, was optioned and I wrote the screenplay for it. But the producers couldn’t sell it and had to give up. I’ve had nibbles on other books but nothing yet. I keep hoping!

What are the top 10 most fun/ interesting facts about your job?

Asked by Miki23 over 5 years ago

Wow, that’s a tough question! I’m not sure I could come up with ten.

Can a coroner make a arrest? People like to always make the point about a “citizens arrest” but I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

Asked by Richard almost 6 years ago

I don’t really know, but at the coroner’s office I worked at I was told that our coroner was actually the highest law enforcement officer, technically, in the county. She was the only person who could arrest the sheriff if necessary. That never became necessary though so I don’t know how it would actually work.

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

Asked by AJ over 5 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.

So do you pretty much get to do all the fun stuff without as much paper work?

Asked by Rae about 5 years ago

No, we have lots of paperwork. Lots.

How has forensic equipment changed and developed over the time of your career?

Asked by Christina Phokou over 5 years ago

Departments have access to larger (county, state, sometimes federal) fingerprint databases, though it's still not like you see on TV. DNA analysts can now obtain a profile from 'touch DNA', someone simply touching an object. And video surveillance systems have become commonplace but also much easier to use with better clarity.

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 over 5 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.