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

My brother was killed. I believe he was murdered. His left arm was nearly severed from his body and his left mastoid process was crushed. The blood at the scene was descibed as an 8in in diameter patch. How much blood should have been at the scene?

Asked by autumndawn over 8 years ago

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Unfortunately I have no idea how much blood there should be, you'd have to ask a pathologist, but from my experience I can guess it would depend on two things--what kind of surface was he on--concrete, tile, carpet, dirt? Also, how long the heart kept pumping after the injury. I have seen gunshot victims where they barely bled at all, and others were completely soaked practically head to toe. So there are a number of factors that will affect this.

Can u prove the difference betwwen pubic hair and chaset hair or facial hair

Asked by jim amdiny almost 9 years ago

Yes, there are visible differences (under a microscope) between the different kinds of body hair.

Hi I was just wondering can I get a job as a DNA analyst. If I get a degree in microbiology with a minor in criminal Justice

Asked by Diamond over 8 years ago

Requirements for a position are up to the agency doing the hiring. The best way to know is to check their websites for open position announcements, or contact them and ask.

Hi, i am currently studying a degree in forensic science, i just wanted to know if you have any knowledge of different techniques used around the world in crime scene environments. Specifically between the Netherlands and the uk.

Asked by Ryan Williamson over 8 years ago

That's a good question but I'm afraid I have no idea since I've never worked anywhere except the U.S. I would guess that the scientific techniques would all be basically the same but the administrative aspects (paperwork, how reports are worded, what is done in which types of cases etc.) would vary.

Hi i am struggling with coming up with a science fair idea and my main interest is in the forensic field and with Dna, I need guidance with an idea on fingerprints or dna analysis... Please and thank you

Asked by stewy about 8 years ago

I would be happy to help you. Please email me off list at lisa-black@live.com and tell me what you need help with, for instance: How involved does this have to be? Do you need to do just a demonstration or an actual experiment?

When looking at a murder scene, could you simpky check the body for fecal matter or urine in their groin area to see if that is where the murder took place?

Asked by Quincy over 7 years ago

I think you mean to check for that wherever they're lying to see if the body had been moved?

Well, not everyone evacuates upon death. Also the clothing absorbs most of it, and any that leaks through could also have leaked through after being moved. But yes, that could be an indication that the body had been moved just as bloodstains would.

Hope that helps!

I am writing a screenplay & need to do some forensic & CSI
research like ID & lab storage of
a decomposed severed head.
Would appreciate any help you might offer.
Thanks Don
@ donnyQ5@shaw.ca

Asked by Don Tamborine almost 9 years ago

Okay, i'll email you.