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 over 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.

What are the best colleges in Minnesota for forensics? I want a 4 year, if possible.

Asked by Sarah over 8 years ago

I'm afraid I wouldn't have any idea. Call your local crime labs and ask their personnel for suggestions.

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 over 8 years ago

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

Hi my name Is Gemali Monzon and I go to Chehalis Middle School and we are doing a project on the career we want. I want to be a forensic science technician and would like to interview you. You can get back at me at monzongasparg23@chehalisschool.org

Asked by Gemali Monzon about 9 years ago

Sure, I'll email you.

I just tried to email you and it came back undeliverable. You can email me at lisa-black@live.com.

What are the questions you would ask when you find a fiber?

Asked by Cory over 8 years ago

Well, if it's found on the victim, you might ask if it came from the suspect's clothing/upholstery/etc., and vice versa. Or it could similarly link either party to the crime scene, depending upon the circumstances of the case.

So I am going to get my associates degree (and a forensic certification), is that enough to get a job working for a forensic police department?

Asked by Geo almost 9 years ago

I have no idea. You'll have to ask the agency to which you are applying. They may all have different requirements.

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

Asked by Wolf - Research for Novel over 8 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.