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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

What are some skills and abilities a person would need to be successful in this type of work?

Asked by Violet about 8 years ago

You have to have good attention to detail, can work under stress and unpredictable circumstances, be patient and cautious. 

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 8 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!

How did you find this job

Asked by Angel over 8 years ago

I checked city and county websites for job postings.

I need to interview a forensic scientist for a college paper that is due September 22, 2016..here is my email address: bowler4life2011@hotmail.com

Asked by Delores Jackson over 8 years ago

Okay I will email you. I also suggest you give yourself more lead time on future assignments....

What kind of off the job training is required?

Asked by Kaylee Marr over 8 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by 'off the job training.'

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

Asked by Marco almost 8 years ago

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

What type of personality do you think would make a person well-suited to this type of work?

Asked by Violet about 8 years ago

See above.