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

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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 over 9 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.

What are the major clues that indicate a murder?

Asked by bart white over 8 years ago

That would depend entirely on the circumstances and method of murder, wouldn't it? If they are such that it would be impossible for the person to have died by accident, suicide, or of natural causes, then murder would be suspected.

I read that it's possible to determine sex from cranium or skeletal features and when trying it out on pictures of well known celebrities I find females with male skeletons and males with female skeletons, can you please explain this anomaly?

Asked by pietas about 9 years ago

I'm sorry but I wouldn't have any idea. You'd have to ask an anthropologist.

If I decide to pursue forensic science at uni, will I manage if I did not have chemistry in high school (I'm doing the IB)? Of course I do have some knowledge but only basics. will I learn at uni or is it expected of me to have previous knowledge?

Asked by Justyna over 8 years ago

I really don’t know, since my degree is in biology, not forensic science. You should ask one of faculty advisors in the forensic science program at the university (or better yet several universities). You could probably just call the departments on the phone and ask.

For the Ga Fatality Review Board, why wouldnt a minor child who died a Violent death not be in the Statics for that County?

Asked by Brandy about 9 years ago

I have no idea. You'd have to ask the review board. Since statistics are just numbers, how do you know it's not included?

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

Asked by Emily about 9 years ago

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

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Asked by Shane over 8 years ago

I think it's unlikely that there wouldn't be any injuries, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. You would need a pathologist for that.