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

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 almost 8 years ago

I think it would certainly be an asset!

Best of luck.

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 about 8 years ago

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

I just graduated with a bachelors in Forensics and I have an interview at a crime lab next week, what can I expect? Will they want to see my transcripts.

Asked by FORENSIC over 7 years ago

I’ve never had someone ask for transcripts at an interview, and I think it would be a little unreasonable for them to expect you to have them with you without warning.It will be generally like any other interview. When they ask what experience you have in forensics be sure to mention specific tests and techniques you’ve done, like superglue, crime scene reconstruction, the AFIS system, etc.

How much methamphetamine would it take in a body that was submerged 4 two weeks, for an ME to consider it intoxicated? drowning with environmental hypothermia, contributory cause: methamphetamine intoxication

Asked by Lina N Lete over 7 years ago

I’m sorry but I have no idea. I’ve never worked in Toxicology.

How old were you when you first became a forensic scientist?

Asked by Sara almost 8 years ago

32. It was my second career, I majored in political science during my first round at college and was a personnel secretary for ten years first.

What are some safety hazards, contamination / degradation hazards and how do u package SEMINAL STAINS A

Asked by Jayleen almost 7 years ago

That's a pretty broad question. I can tell you that for both seminal stains and blood stains, the best way to package one is to let it dry, then place in a sterile paper envelope or bag. Never plastic! Then keep in a dry, cool environment.

Hope that helps.

I made a cast of a boot I found in dirt. When it is dry and I collect it as evidence, what kind of bag do I put it into? A large paper bag, a plastic Ziploc bag, or another type of container?

Asked by Sam almost 8 years ago

Large paper bag. Casting agents usually warm up so that might create moisture inside a plastic container or bag. A cardboard box might be good as well to give it enough support to keep it from cracking.