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

Do some of the remains you have to investigate make you uncomfortable?

Asked by jasmine Nunez almost 6 years ago

No, I can't say that they do.

I wanted to know what was the best degree to get for a forensic biologist? I"m getting mixed answers. Do I pursue and undergrad in forensic science and then master in biology or would a 4-year biology degree work?

Asked by Jackie almost 7 years ago

Sorry it took me so long, I was out of town at a conference. But I really don’t know for sure—it’s up to the hiring lab, what they want. I would think a 4 year in Biology with as many Forensic classes as you can get would be best, but a better way to guess would be to call all the labs you’re considering and ask them.Best of luck!

About 6 mos ago i lived w people who want to steal my dna to get a rape conviction and sue me for 2.6 million. Can forensic stuff tell that my nail was shed 6 mos ago,not now?

Asked by Samuel waller over 6 years ago

No.

how do you advance what made you want to become this
what kind of personality is recommended
how many years of school
how hard is it to find a job

Asked by a student about 7 years ago

I'm not trying to be snobby, but first of all it would be very important that you can communicate in English, with proper punctuation.

Is it feasible for forensic scientist to work only on the chemistry side of forensics? I enjoy chemistry, but dislike biology, and dislike the idea of working on bodily fluids. Would a forensic CHEMIST still analysis biological fluid?

Asked by Samarkand almost 7 years ago

Many forensic chemistry departments only analyze possible drugs, so I would think it would be possible to find.

I am a writer doing research, I want to preface this by saying I know what I am about to show might be impossible in the real world, but my story is working with a paranormal cause. Anyway, how would it be possible to appear self inflicted? https://ibb.co/eYiDGK

Asked by Ahmetia over 6 years ago

Possible for what to appear self-inflicted?

If I have a BS in Physics, is that the right path to become a blood spatter analyst or a ballistics expert?

Asked by Trey over 6 years ago

I think it would certainly be an asset!

Best of luck.