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

I'm studying about fingerprint patterns and phenotypic variations between parents and their kids. Which of the patterns are dominant/recessive? How can there be different patterns on each finger?

Asked by Liza over 6 years ago

Fingerprints develop randomly as a child is moving around in the womb before birth, so they are not dictated by genes. That said, there can sometimes be vague similarities among family members (like having radial loops, all arches, or whatever). There are three patterns, loops, whorls and arches, and you can easily have some of your fingers have loops and then a few have whorls, or they can be all one type, or any combination.

I’m currently taking my first forensic course in college. Its online yet I’ve gotten A’s on every assignment and the teacher puts amazing notes on each assignment. Would this teacher be a good recommendation letter she dosnt know me but knows my work

Asked by Forensic about 6 years ago

I don't see why not!

Best of luck.

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 6 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!

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

Asked by Amyleigh73 over 6 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!

FEPAC is this standard for forensic degrees. You can find things here: http://fepac-edu.org/
I just want to know if I do not get into a school that is approved, what will be my chances to be a csi or in the morgue

Asked by Morgan (From the last question) about 6 years ago

I see, but I still couldn't say. It depends entirely upon the hiring agency and what kind of pool of applicants they typically have--basically, who they have to choose from. There will be a basic set of requirements but after that, advanced degrees are better than high school diplomas, degrees from accredited schools better than non-accredited, internships at forensic agencies very helpful, etc. The best way to know is to call the places you would like to work at and ask them. If you can get a tour of their facility, even better, then you can gently ask the people who work there where they went to school and so on. Shorter answer: It won't automatically get you in or automatically keep you from getting in. Of course it certainly couldn't hurt. Best of luck!

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 about 6 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.

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

Asked by Randlel about 6 years ago

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