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 characteristics does someone need for this job

Asked by Angel about 8 years ago

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

Hi I have a job interview tomorrow. Can you tell me the difference about criminal justice DNA and crime Scene DNA? And also what would you do if two samples where switched or contaminated in the lab? And what types of questions came up in interview?

Asked by Jen over 7 years ago

I don't know what you mean by that--DNA is DNA. Samples being switched is one situation, and contaminated is another. Obviously the situation would have to be remedied and the samples re-analyzed. Questions will probably be a combination of general interview questions such as 'what are your strengths' and questions about your specific training and experience in forensic topics. Good luck!



What time span does the investigation autopsy go for on average?

Asked by bart white about 7 years ago

The average autopsy takes 1 to 4 hours.

Is it correct process to declare cardiac arrest or heart attack as reason for death without internally examining the heart purely based on symptoms of other organs? If examination of heart necessary, is it done at forensic lab or at autopsy?

Asked by Raja over 7 years ago

Examination of the heart would be done at the autopsy by a pathologist, and since I'm not a pathologist I'm afraid I cannot address your first question.

Hi I’m in 9th grade doing an interview project-How much does a person usually make in this career? What kind of lifestye does this career provide? What skills should I develop for this career? What are the day to day duties of this job?

Asked by Mandy P. about 7 years ago

Email me at Lisa-black@live.com and I’ll send answers.

How does this career affect your lifestyle

Asked by Angel about 8 years ago

When i go to a party people want to talk to me. That never happened before. Otherwise, it doesn't, except for the obvious scheduling/overtime problems.

Sample of which body part do you use to perform a dna check of a john doe if you have to

Asked by Mystery over 7 years ago

From live people we usually take a buccal swab from the inside of the mouth. From a deceased person, we can use any part from which we can extract DNA, such as blood, bone, teeth, etc.