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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

How does this career affect your lifestyle

Asked by Angel about 9 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.

I played a video game recently that had two murderers - separate murders - freeze their respective victims' bodies to throw off the time of death. Does that actually work? If so, how long does it take to unfreeze?

Asked by R-Mod over 8 years ago

Changing the ambient temperature either up or down and then changing it back will affect a pathologist's estimate of time of death because they usually take that into consideration. I couldn't guess how long it would take it to unfreeze, but at room temperature I would think several hours at a minimum.

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

Asked by Violet almost 9 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 about 8 years ago

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

Do you usually have a lot of free time or none at all?

Asked by Emily over 8 years ago

Not much free time, no. There's always work to do.

Hi there! I was wondering if I can interview you for my school project ? if so please contact me @litzy475@gmail.com

Asked by Litzy garza about 8 years ago

Yes, I'll email you when I'm back at work tomorrow.

After graduation, what do you advice future forensic scientists to do and expect when getting a job in this field?

Asked by kwony123 almost 8 years ago

It’s not easy to get a job in this field—there’s a lot of competition and staffs are not as large as you might think. The best thing you can do, after graduation if not before, is get an internship somewhere to get some practical experience and meet people. It will also help if you’re willing to relocate.