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 is the best way to read the writing imprints left on paper towels or ziplocks without scientific equipment?

Asked by Amyleigh73 almost 8 years ago

I would try oblique lighting—try laying the piece down as flat as possible and then hold a flashlight to the side so the light beam travels across the piece instead of down onto it. Adjust the light to where it’s the most helpful. With the ziploc bag you might also put a piece of dark paper inside it to increase the constraint. That’s all I can think of since I’m not an expert in questioned documents. Best of luck!

How (or where) can I get someone to review an autopsy for mistakes or inconsistencies, if corruption is suspected from the investigative agency that was present, and influential during the examination?

Asked by Lina about 7 years ago

You would need another forensic pathologist to review the work of the first forensic pathologist.

Best of luck.

Can you extract DNA from human poop?

Asked by Jessica over 7 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.

I am applying for a grad. program that allows me to pursue a masters in forensic science and a PhD in Biochemistry. How would this compare to if I acquire a PhD in forensic science instead? Thank you.

Asked by Joe over 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I have absolutely no idea. You might call the labs at which you'd like to work and ask about the positions you'd like to get, and see what they suggest. They would know a lot more than I would.

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 over 7 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.

If you were given a 20GB hard drive that had been used to image an 8GB USB device and
found during analysis that more than the 8GB image was on the disk, what would this
indicate? How would you then proceed?

Asked by MK over 7 years ago

Sorry, but I’m not trained in digital forensics. I have absolutely no idea.

How many people do you think have committed a crime and came here for help desposing the body and everything else?

Asked by Randlel over 7 years ago

My guess would be 0.Mostly it’s just kids wanting me to answer their homework questions.