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 i was in third grade i had a chemistry set- on day a relative gave me conc nitric acid; glycerin and some powdered magnesium - i almost got hurt -got lucky- do u think this person meant me harm- i've often wondered

Asked by markboutwell65@gmail.com about 8 years ago

Without knowing you or your relative, I really couldn't guess. Maybe they hoped you'd read the instructions first?

What are some of the difficult parts of this job

Asked by Angel about 8 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. 

Has forensic science actually made some investigations harder to solve?

Asked by Mariam over 7 years ago

No.

Juries' unrealistic expectations of forensic science may make court cases harder to win, but that's not the same thing.

And B) if it is mixed in with other samples of saliva, for example if 4 people spit into a glass and mixed up, could 4 samples of dna be pulled or is all the DNA ruined? Thank yooouuuuu! :)

Asked by sandaM about 8 years ago

As far as I know since they would all be the same type of cells, they could not be separated.

What do you like best about this job

Asked by Angel about 8 years ago

All the interesting, different, bizarre stories that make up the crimes that have happened that we have to investigate. 

An HVAC condensate leak resolved 1mth prior yet occupant complained of 'worms' & 'biting bugs' entering via the air vents. Photo enlargement an assumed mold/debri pile in pan looks to be decomposing carcass. https://photos.shutterfly.com/full/6232696

Asked by Sleepy about 8 years ago

I doubt I can help you but I'll try to get the pic.

Good Afternoon, I'm writing a research paper about Forensic Scientist and I was wondering if I could ask a few questions? My email is n.leandrojr777@yahoo.com. Thank You

Asked by NL over 8 years ago

Sure, I'll email you. You might also want to look over earlier questions on this site.