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

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. over 7 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.

After I graduate high school what should I do in order to pursue a career in Forensic Biology

Asked by Ailyn almost 8 years ago

Plan to go to college and study biology, and try to find a college that has the specific major and courses you want.

Would you choose this field if you had to do it over again?

Asked by Campbell about 8 years ago

Yes. Unless I could make it as an architect. I would really like that too.

How did you decide on this type of work?

Asked by Violet about 8 years ago

I loved mystery shows and books when I was a kid. I always wanted to be a detective, but didn't want to be a cop. And I always liked science.

What is some things people worry about when coming a forensic scientist?

Asked by Kristen almost 8 years ago

Usually the biggest worry is getting sick or faint around dead bodies. But actually they rarely do.

Why would the GBI send blood thru the mail, and not in Bio Hazard bag and lacking the proper Names and information on a Clear Top Vial of blood?

Asked by Brandy almost 8 years ago

Sending it through the mail is not a problem if packaged properly. The color of the top depends on what kind of testing is requested, drug, DNA, etc.

If someone has taken illicit drugs in the past but has since quit, what are their chances of moving past the polygraph stage and actually being hired?

Asked by Biostudent04 about 8 years ago

Probably very good, as long as you're honest about it. They usually go over the questions before you start the polygraph so take the opportunity to tell the truth. Then, in the polygraph, you have nothing to hide.