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

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Can you extract DNA from human poop?

Asked by Jessica almost 8 years ago

Yes. I don’t know if it’s actually from the poop or from the skin cells sloughed off on it, but you can.

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 over 8 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.

When making a identity from a fire do you make it by random teeth found or teeth in jaw bone? Or how do you determine that?

Asked by Cybill almost 8 years ago

Hi Cybill, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I believe that they can use the inside of a tooth for DNA analysis, but of course if the tooth is loose they may not be able to determine which body it came from if there's more than one. I expect a dentist would need the teeth still in the jaw to compare with dental x-rays in order to make a comparison that way, but it may all depend on what work, if any, has been done to the tooth and how distinctive that work is. I'm not a DNA analyst (any more) or a dentist so I'm not 100% sure.

I am currently a sophomore in highschool and I want to be a forensic pathologist/medical examiner. But I don’t know what classes I absolutely need to take in highschool or what to major in college. Could you give me advice please ?

Asked by Isabelle over 8 years ago

If you want to be a pathologist you will have to be a doctor, and will need to go to med school. So you are looking for a pre-med program. Best of luck!

I am currently a Forensic Science Major and have to complete an internship, would a wildlife rehab and education center be a good location for this?

Asked by Sosi almost 8 years ago

I think that depends entirely on where you live or want to work. If you intend to apply for lab or crime scene work in a large city, then no. If you're going to work crime scene in a remote area with a lot of outdoor scenes and animal activity, then maybe yes. Regardless, an internship at your local forensic facility would be better. If that's not possible, at least call them and ask for their advice.

What type of certifications if any are required for the jobs you have had in the forensics industry and how can they be attained

Asked by Kk10 about 8 years ago

The 'forensics industry' encompasses at least twenty different areas, from pathology to accounting, so any certifications would be administered by that disciplines organizing body. Fingerprints, for example, are regulated through the International Association for Identification. Death Investigators have their own organization. Whether or not these certifications are required for your job is up to the agency (such as your city police department or a county medical examiner's office) hiring you for that job.

I need help with my major for being Forensic Science Technician. I was wondering if I could take Criminal Justice for my Associate at a Community College and then Transfer to a four year university and get my bachelors in biology or chemistry for FST

Asked by Kyerra Lenard almost 8 years ago

Hi, sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. Again, 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. 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.