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

Can seman be removed with dry cleaning

Asked by aratliff8 about 8 years ago

I don't know that as a fact, but I would think so. Simply washing with soap and water will take care of it.

What are the major responsibilities of your job?

Asked by Violet over 8 years ago

I spend about 90% of my time sitting in front of a computer looking at fingerprints. The rest of the time I go to crime scenes to photograph and process for fingerprints and collect items of evidence. When I was at the coroner's office I probably spent 40% of the time examining victim's clothing, 10% on gunshot residue testing, 30% on hairs and fibers, and 20% everything else. 

What should you major in if you want to go into this field?

Asked by Emily about 8 years ago

Usually in forensic science or any kind of natural science. If you want to go to into drug testing or toxicology, major in chemistry. If you want to do DNA analysis, then biology or biochemistry.

What kind of degree do I need to work in forensic science? What are the pros of being a forensic scientist? What are the cons of being a forensic scientist? How is the job market in forensic science?
This is for an interview assignment.

Asked by Candace almost 8 years ago

Please email me all questions at once at Lisa-black@hotmail.com.

Hypothetical question: if someone died in a brand spankin' new car (very few germs/bacteria, tight seal on the doors and windows) how long would it take for the body to decompose? What would it look like in, say, 75 years?

Asked by Jordy over 8 years ago

Interesting question, but I doubt I can be of much help. A body can do one of two things after death--decompose or desiccate. So it might turn into sludge or it might become a mummy. It might depend on temperature or pH levels (more relevant if the car was buried) to determine which way it would go. Being sealed would definitely slow the process to a crawl. I had a body in an attic once that was partially wrapped in plastic, and after three years the wrapped areas still had plenty of flesh and the unwrapped parts were down to bone.

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 almost 9 years ago

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

Do you have any advice on how to prepare for this job

Asked by Angel over 8 years ago

Take all the science courses you can, and visit and talk to forensic science personnel. You'll find them very approachable.