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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989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Is there a license required to become a forensic scientist? If so, what type?

Asked by Violet about 9 years ago

No. Depending on where you work and what you do, your employer might want you to be 'certified' in one area or the other.

856 Votes

Can extensive bruising be caused by pushing someone with the palm of the hands on the chest area

Asked by Jay almost 9 years ago

I'm not a doctor but I don't see why not. If the flesh and muscle is being crushed between the ribs and the person's hands, that would have to cause damage. Sometimes CPR can cause cracked ribs.

853 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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What are the normal working hours? Do you work overtime? How is overtime set up?

Asked by Violet about 9 years ago

I'm sorry, I thought I answered this one. We work 40 hours per week, some of us are on four 10s and some on rotating 12 hour shifts. Each of us takes a turn on being 'on call' for overtime calls.

852 Votes

What i meant by summary were the things that forensic scientists do when the first see a crime scene till the end of the investigation..... thanks!!

Asked by John over 9 years ago

I'm sorry but that can, and has, fill several textbooks. There's just no way for me to summarize it in a paragraph.

852 Votes

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Does this career include or require travel

Asked by Angel over 9 years ago

Only local, to other government agencies or for training.

851 Votes

So is there a specific test for nuclear DNA versus mitochondrial DNA?

Asked by L.Randolph over 9 years ago

Yes, they are different substances.

851 Votes

Do you ever get to go to a crime scene?

Asked by Emily almost 9 years ago

Yes, all the time. That's part of my job. But that will depend on what your job is, some people work only in the lab, and others work only at crime scenes.

850 Votes