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

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 7 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.

As a Forensic Scientist, are you legally exempt from being a Juror?

Asked by Ahmed Jordan Ezz Jr. over 7 years ago

This may vary by county or state, but I am not because I'm a civilian employee and not a sworn officer.

whats a typical day in the life of a forensic scientist?

Asked by kenia over 7 years ago

When I was at the coroner's office, a typical day would be examining victim's clothing from a homicide or suicide, typing blood samples and testing gunshot residue samples. Now at the police department, a typical day is spent in front of the computer putting in latent prints that the officers or I have lifted from items and searching for a match, or checking past searches of new people put in the system. Then I might go out to process a burglary scene.

What's one of the weirdest cases you've worked?

Asked by Emily almost 8 years ago

Unfortunately I can't really discuss that on a public forum. And they're all weird, in their way.

Could I ask you some questions for a school project?

Asked by ssosiak1 about 7 years ago

Sure, email me at Lisa-Black@live.com

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

Asked by Sarah over 7 years ago

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

I was accused of rape by a diabolical tenant and her daughter! I actually sprayed w d40 and it backsplashed right in my face! I was blwng my nose, wiping sweat frm my head & spit in tissue. Cld they wipe Tht on them or in them and claim rape?

Asked by Pes over 7 years ago

No, because those fluids would not contain acid phosphatase.