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

Reading a book & evangelist claims to have raised someone dead for about six hours. He pinched her nose, picked up her hand & leg they just flopped down. Is this possible with Rigor Mortis?

Asked by Mia almost 8 years ago

I’m not a pathologist but I think it’s possible even if not likely. Bodies start to stiffen in 1-2 hours but rigor reaches its peak somewhere around 12 hours. It can depend a great deal on temperature, body type and medical conditions.

Your take on Gorge Floyd

Asked by DeeDee about 6 years ago

You know as much as I do.

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 over 7 years ago

I don't see why not!

Best of luck.

How important are strong written and verbal communication skills in your field? ( I’m asking as an English assignment )

Asked by Madison almost 8 years ago

Well, they need to be complete and accurate, but otherwise the actual English used can be pretty basic. Happily we’re not graded on our composition skills!

What’s the difference between a forensic scientist and a crime scene investigator?Can you do both if you have a bachelor degree in criminal and investigation studies and a master in forensic science?

Asked by Bernice over 7 years ago

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. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. 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.

Can a child who is allegedly punched several times by an adult. Get a bump and not bruise? and do bruises typically take 2 weeks to fade. Why 6 days later am I not seeing even a faded yellow mark. I am so confused!!!

Asked by Katie Strange over 7 years ago

I don't know exactly, but I know from personal experience that bruises are strange and unpredictable. I can bump into something terribly hard and have no mark, and then have a huge bruise from some injury I only very vaguely remember. I also don't know exactly how long they take to fade, and that might also be affected by how deep they were in the first place or the physical condition of the person. Sorry I can't be more help.

Have you ever seen anything like from the movie SAW

Asked by Ally over 7 years ago

I actually haven’t seen that movie. Do you mean super bloody homicides or ones where some psycho has set up a torture chamber? (The answers would be yes to the former, no to the latter.)