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 are the weirdest or odd things in crime scene that you've ever encounter?

Asked by KennyV about 7 years ago

Huh...that's a tough question. Nothing really stands out...everything is a little weird in some ways but not incredibly so. Perhaps the most unusual thing I ever had to examine was a safety harness from a window washer who fell 38 floors. Mostly I'm just amazed at the way people live, and the things people do to their houses. (And what they think looks good in terms of decor.)The most fun thing we had, at a homicide scene, was the homeless victim's cat with her litter of small kittens. That rivaled the litter of puppies who had a temporary bed in the master bath jacuzzi tub of a grow house.

Have you ever seen anything like from the movie SAW

Asked by Ally almost 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.)

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

Asked by Jayleen almost 6 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.

Hi Lisa, have you ever thought about going through the process of becoming a sworn officer?

Asked by Scott over 5 years ago

No, thank you. I would never want to be a cop--I don' t know how they do what they do. I would hate having to deal with stressed-out people all day long.

Where do you hide a body?

Asked by Donna over 6 years ago

That depends a great deal on where the body is now.

Hi I am from butler high school and I am doing a project on forensic science and I was wondering if you had the time if I could do an interview with you if so could you contact me at7047710865

Asked by Stephen Roesly almost 7 years ago

Sure, email me at lisa-black@live.com.

how accurate is measuring the age of human bones , particularly after 30 years of age how less accurate percentage wise per decade after 30 years of age?

Asked by andy about 6 years ago

I'm sorry but I also can't answer that question. You'd have to ask an anthropologist.