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

whats the most challenging thing about your job?

Asked by kenia over 8 years ago

Worrying that I might have missed a piece of evidence at a crime scene or in a lab process.

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 9 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 about 9 years ago

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

Can a forensic examiner analyzing evidence distinguish between a latent fingerprint from a bare hand and those produced by someone wearing gloves?

Asked by kayla lions over 8 years ago

Sure, because fingerprints will have ridges and gloves will not.

Is it possible for someone to shot themselves, first bulled lodge in the breast bone. throw up, pass out, come to and shot themselves a second time? Second bulled thru the heart and out the back ?

Asked by Linda almost 9 years ago

Yes, quite possible. The breast bone blocked the bullet from hitting anything vital and so it wouldn't be fatal. We've had plenty of people shoot themselves in the head but the skull deflected the bullet enough that they either survived or had to fire a second shot.

Do you ever get called to crime scenes to conduct your own investigation or is the evidence brought to you for analysis? Do most forensic scientists get to do both crime scene investigations and analysis? Thanks for your time.

Asked by Chicken over 8 years ago

I do both, but it depends entirely on your department. People at smaller departments usually have to cross train and fill several roles. At larger departments with more personnel, people may specialize. The only way to know is to call the agency you want to work at and ask.

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

Asked by Violet almost 9 years ago

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