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

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 about 9 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 looking at becoming a DNA analyst working with hair, blood and gunshot residue samples, would it be better to get a degree in Forensic Science or a degree in Biology?

Asked by ssosiak1 about 9 years ago

If you're going to be a DNA analyst, you will probably not be working with gunshot residue as well. DNA labs are tending to want their analysts to have a PhD in genetics and focus solely in that area, but it would be best if you called labs at which you might want to work and make sure. Best of luck.

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 over 10 years ago

Okay, i'll email you.

What are some of the difficult parts of this job

Asked by Angel over 9 years ago

Being 'on call' and knowing you can be interrupted at any moment of the day and have to go to a crime scene, even if it's the middle of the night or a holiday. I've also had to change vacations because I have to testify in a trial. I hate that. 

Will a dry blood stain on rocks, say the interior of a cave, appear red after at least a year or would the stain be darker or change because of the conditions within the cave?

Asked by MK about 10 years ago

It will turn a dark red brown once it's completely dry, and will stay that color so far as I know if conditions stay consistent. If it changes further it would probably just fade a bit.

For undergraduate studies, is it recommended to take Forensic Science or should we take a broader natural science such as Chemistry or Biology? This is of course considering the applicant is aiming to become a Forensic Scientist in the future.

Asked by Detective Dick Gumshoe over 9 years ago

I would suggest biology or chemistry, but that was what everyone took when I started out, so I may be behind the times. Your best bet is to call the crime labs you might wish to work at and ask what they prefer. Also check employment postings on the forensic organizations websites, such as IAI and AAFS. That's the only way to be more certain what they actually want.

Do firearms have a unique spray pattern when fired? Something similar to a fingerprint?

Asked by Marco about 9 years ago

No. You might be able to estimate muzzle to target distance from a spray pattern, but not firearm type or brand.