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 am taking a Forensics class in High school and I am looking to ask some questions of a Fiber Analyst. Do you happen to be a Fiber Analyst or do you know know anyone who I can contact?

Asked by Bailey almost 7 years ago

I used to be the hair and fiber analyst. Unfortunately it's increasing rare to find fiber analysis done at labs. Perhaps I can help you.

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 6 years ago

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

How long does a body have to be exposed in warm temps before it starts to deteriorate?

Asked by LookingForJustice almost 7 years ago

Bodies begin to deteriorate immediately, but the process might progress more slowly or less slowly depending on temperature, humidity, exposure or any medical conditions of the victim.

Where do you burry a body?

Asked by The man about 6 years ago

Where ever it’s convenient, I suppose.

I am writing a paper for college about orthotolidine tests. Why do you think they were discontinued and have you ever used it in your professional career? Would you consider a positive orthotolidine test as conclusive evidence in court?

Asked by Penny Kap over 6 years ago

I believe it’s a presumptive test, so it would not be considered ‘conclusive’ evidence, only an indication that further test (like DNA) would be appropriate.

I have never used an orthotolidine test, unless that’s the reagent in the Hemastix test strips. We used those a great deal at the coroner’s office—they’re very handy, but can have false positives. Deciding what reagent to use will always be a function of ease of use, possibility of false positives and false negatives, expense and hazards (such as carcinogenic properties).

Best of luck!

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 6 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.

Is it dangerous to be a forensic scientist ?
Thanks

Asked by Tatiana over 7 years ago

No.