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

Discuss how the following statements can both be true when applied to forensic investigation: “Every contact leaves a trace” AND “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

Asked by Sara over 8 years ago

Why does this sound like a homework question?

What is your opinion on te csi effect and what concerns do you have about it?

Asked by Kerena almost 9 years ago

It's concerning because juries expect more than is reasonable. Not every case is going to have DNA evidence and you don't always find fingerprints on a surface and eyewitness testimony sounds convincing but can be very unreliable. However an expert can hopefully explain all these issues to make the limitations clear, provided the jury listens.

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 almost 9 years ago

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

which of the ethical approaches/theories do you think will have the greatest influence on your thinking when faced with an ethical dilemma and why?
Which approach/theory?
Why?

Asked by lucresia over 8 years ago

I wasn't aware that there were theories other than: Do the right thing. Don't do the wrong thing.

Figuring out which is which isn't really that hard. Doing it might be, but it's usually not hard to figure out.

Hope that helps!

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 almost 9 years ago

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

Does this career include or require travel

Asked by Angel almost 9 years ago

Only local, to other government agencies or for training.

Hello,
I'm looking to return to school for Forensic Science to be a lab technician with a focus in ballistics. I'm wondering how highly regarded an online certificate is in your industry since I'm looking to finish school and start quickly. Thank you

Asked by Kelly H. almost 8 years ago

That's an excellent question that I wish I had a better answer for. I'm guessing it depends on the interviewer's history and experiences. For instance due to curriculum changes, in my area we actually get much better-trained candidates from the community college and the for-profit local schools than the large, more prestigious university. It depends on what the curriculum entails and how much hands-on work and practice in your specific field (which may be difficult to do in an online course, but if the bricks and mortar schools don't provide it either, then perhaps it makes little difference). If I were you I would detail that as clearly as you can when applying for jobs.