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

988 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

During your High school year what subjects did you take in order to get to where you are today? Also what courses would you suggest to take for someone looking to become a forensic scientist?

Asked by katelin over 6 years ago

Take as many science and then math courses as you can.

Best of luck!

Hello I have a question about forensic science, I am a senior in high school and I want to know what are the steps to take to be a forensic scientist

Asked by Jessica over 6 years ago

titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

Can DNA (skin cells) if someone just taps you on your shirt, can that be removed just by water? Like if the shirt is cleaned with just water?

Asked by Jackson over 6 years ago

Most likely.

What is the minimum requirement of education needed for this profession? Is grad school necessary?

Asked by Junn111 over 6 years ago

Titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or wherever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

How long does “Touch DNA” last? For example, if a person touched a hard surface and no one else ever touched it, how long will that persons “touch” or skin cells be there?

Asked by Jazmin over 6 years ago

Good question. If the surface isn't disturbed and the temperature and humidity are cool and steady, I know fingerprints can last indefinitely, so I suppose skin cells would last as well.

I’m trying to use a dna detection kit (phosphate) to test a stain for semen. How old does the stain need to be for it to turn positive(blue/purple)? The stains could be 6mo. to a year old. on Berber carpet.

Many thanks

Asked by PH over 6 years ago

That’s hard to say. It depends not only on how old the stain is but how old or how sensitive the reagents are. I’ve had old known semen stains not react with relatively new reagents so it is possible.

Can you tell the difference between blood from a cut and blood from a hemorrhage under a microscope?

Asked by Carla over 6 years ago

I couldn’t. I don’t know if a pathologist or biologist could.