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 type of equipment do you operate? How did you learn to operate the equipment?

Asked by Violet about 8 years ago

Over the years I've operated a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, alternate light sources, a photography setup, and various software programs. Venders or other employees train me to use them.

what was the craziest case you have ever worked on?

Asked by john34 over 7 years ago

I haven’t worked any really crazy ones, and sorry but any semi crazy ones would take too long to explain.

How do the forensic team transport the body without destroying any crucial evidence?

Asked by coraline medow over 7 years ago

Inside a fresh body bag that's zipped up.

Would it be better to have a bachelors degree in biology? Or a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice focused on forensics?

Asked by Sabrina over 7 years ago

That depends on what job you're applying for--does it entail more lab work or more scene work? The only way to know for sure is call the places you might want to work and ask, or at least check out job postings online.

if you could choose, would you rather work in a lab or on a crime scene?

Asked by kenia almost 8 years ago

I like doing both, because being in the lab all the time can get tedious, but being at crime scenes all the time can get exhausting.

Can cigarette remains (Butts, partially smoked, etc.) be used to identify time in forensic investigation? (ex: Staleness)

Asked by Wolf - Research for Novel over 7 years ago

Not as far as I know. I think that would be too difficult because even if you could assess staleness, you wouldn't know how fast the person smokes a pack, therefore how long the pack had been open, how it had been stored, etc.

Do I need a bachelor's degree in both forensic science and Biology to become a forensic biologist, because many universities i like don't offer forensics, so i'd have to take forensics at a 2 year college and some website say i need bachelors in both

Asked by Ailyn almost 8 years ago

That depends on what agencies mean by the title 'forensic biologist' and what your job duties would be. The only way to know that is to contact them and ask. You can also check websites of forensic organizations such as American Academy and the International Association for Identification and look at their job postings. That will give you an idea of requirements for different positions.