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.
I would never want to discourage someone from this field because I love it. But it's a very popular field right now so I would also advise anyone to have a career plan B.
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Most agencies do not have huge staffs like on TV, and people tend to stay in the field. Thanks to the TV shows there is a universe more competition than I faced. On the other hand thanks to the current emphasis on forensics, agencies are always expanding--the federal government will be setting mandates and providing grant money to expand labs and services Check out every level (city, county, state, federal) in your area that you can find and also private labs. Check the websites for the International Association for Identification and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
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Usually the biggest worry is getting sick or faint around dead bodies. But actually they rarely do.
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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.
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Chef
Has anyone ever found anything gross in their food on your watch?
School Bus Driver
If your bus is in an accident that was ruled your fault, would you lose your job?
Private Detective
Has anyone ever caught you surveilling them, and what happened?
I'm so sorry but I wouldn't have any idea since I've never worked in toxicology. And since my agency doesn't do it either I don't have anyone to ask.
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Temporarily, with sandpaper or chemicals, but they will grow back in the same pattern.
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DNA and digital forensics will continue to grow in terms of technology and attention.
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