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

As a forensic scientist, do you use the diameter of blood splatters as clues to how the crime happened?

Asked by Rylee about 8 years ago

Yes, the arcsin of the width divided by the length of the stain will give you the angle of impact at which the blood struck the surface (usually a wall). The direction of the stains can be traced back to a point of convergence and from there the angles can be traced back to a distance from the wall, giving you the approximate point in space where the blow was struck.

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 about 8 years ago

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

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

Asked by Sarah about 8 years ago

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

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

Asked by Cory about 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.

Could I ask you some questions for a school project?

Asked by ssosiak1 almost 8 years ago

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

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

Asked by Sabrina about 8 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.

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

Asked by Emily over 8 years ago

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