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

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

Asked by Violet over 8 years ago

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

I am doing a project over my career and I want to ask some questions and I was wondering if you could answer them thank you!

Asked by trace clamon almost 9 years ago

I was going to email your teacher but you didn't give me her complete address, just her name. Please go to my website and hit 'contact me' and let me know where to send a response. Thanks and good luck with your project.

Do you ever get to go to a crime scene?

Asked by Emily over 8 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.

Hey Lisa:) I was wondering if DNA found in saliva is still discoverble if A) it has been watered down, for example if someone was to spit in a glass of water, and if so how much water before the DNA is too hard to find?

Asked by sandaM about 9 years ago

It would still be discoverable up to a point. How much dilution it could take, I'm afraid I don't know.

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 about 9 years ago

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

What advice do you have for a person interested in your position?

Asked by Nate over 8 years ago

Take as many science courses as you can. Visit all the crime labs in your area, talk to people, and try to get an internship in one or more of them. 

:How do you use math, science, social studies, and other school subjects in your work?

Asked by Violet over 8 years ago

A good knowledge of chemistry is helpful to be able to understand why certain processes work the way they do. We use math to mix reagents and calculate angles in bloodstain pattern interpretation. Any knowledge can be helpful because we deal with every kind of person, job, situation, and object there is.