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

Would there be DNA left if someone used a forge and turned a murder weapon (say a knife) into something else, or maybe just folded the steel multiple times?

Asked by RDSBandit over 9 years ago

I'm fairly sure that the high temperatures used in melting metal would destroy any DNA.

Hi, I'm looking for a forensic scientist to interview, and I thought you could help me? What is your field of specialty? Do you work in teams or divisions? What were the perks and down sides? I don't have enough room for the rest of my questions.

Asked by Highschoolstudent over 9 years ago

Send me your email address. If you don't want to post it here you can email me through my website: www.lisa-black@live.com.

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. 

What do you like best about this job

Asked by Angel over 9 years ago

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

I'm not sure who to ask, but could you possibly explain the decomposition process of a shipwreck victim's body after 3 years of being underwater? Thank you for your time!

Asked by Irene almost 9 years ago

I'm sorry, I really couldn't. You need to ask a pathologist. Best of luck!!

I have a BSc in microbiology. What else do I need to become a Forensic scientist? What are your thoughts on what Master's program I should pursue if any?

Asked by Nix about 9 years ago

Each agency will have their own requirements. The best way to know what to expect is to call all the crime labs in the area and ask what their requirements for various positions are. You can also check websites for forensic organizations such as www.theiai.org and www.aafs.org and examine their job postings. Best of luck!

What is the difference between a forensic scientist and a forensic science technician? Also, would I be able to major in Human Biology to become a Forensic Scientist?

Asked by RTasha over 9 years ago

A forensic scientist, forensic specialist, forensic technician can all be the same job or different jobs--your title is whatever your agency/boss says it is. There's no strict uniform code for titles. Usually any natural science is a good background for forensics. It may depend on whether you intend to work in a lab or on crime scenes. The best way is to look at job postings that interest you and see what the requirements are. You can view job postings on professional organizations' websites such as www.aafs.org or www.theiai.org. Good luck.