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

what on going knowledge does your job keep up with.

Asked by amelia almost 9 years ago

Our office gets journals from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Association for Identification, as well as smaller publications like newsletters for the Florida Division of the IAI and the one for the association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts.

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 over 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?

If a person kills themselves by hanging (belt) does trauma 2 throat and petecheia show up immediately at time of death

Asked by Jennifer about 9 years ago

Yes. I've never heard it mentioned that certain things don't show up until later.

Is there a way to tell the person's weight from their skeleton? I know you can tell age, race, old injuries and so much more. Would you be able to tell that the bones belonged to a 400lb man?

Asked by Desiré over 9 years ago

That's an excellent question but you need an anthropologist to answer it. I'm afraid I don't know. Sorry!

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 over 9 years ago

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

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

Asked by Ahmed Jordan Ezz Jr. over 9 years ago

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

I want to get a degree in forensic science. Is this possible? And how would I get there?

Asked by Sarah almost 9 years ago

Go to a college that offers a degree in forensic science. Each college or university should have a website where they list the degrees they provide.