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

How hard is your job? Does it get a lot easier later down the road? How much easier? How smart (IQ) do you think someone has to be to do your job? What about other skills you have to have?

Asked by DDDDDDDDDDD over 7 years ago

Like any job it gets easier the more you are accustomed and practiced in what you’re doing. I have no idea what kind of IQ you need, and it depends on what you want to do. If you want to analyze DNA you may need a PhD in genetics. But to work crime scene you need only be conscientious, reliable, observant, and willing to learn. Best of luck!

Is there any way I could ask you a couple questions for a project? By phone?

Asked by Allison over 7 years ago

Please send me an email at lisa-black@live.com.

What is your least favorite part of your job?

Asked by Hily over 7 years ago

Being on call and having to leave dinner or get up in the middle of the night to go to a crime scene. And having to schedule vacations and events around whether I can get someone else to cover my call for me.

What do you think
A) Jeffery Epstein killed himself
B) Jeffery Epstein was murdered
C) Jeffery Epstein was snuck out and alive
D) Something else

Asked by I don’t know over 6 years ago

I have no idea.

An author recently solved the question, 'Did Van Gogh cut off his entire ear, or just the lobe(?).' She found his physician's drawing and it shows the entire ear cut off. Can someone really do that? More likely sliced off by Gaughan's fencing sword?

Asked by PT O'Neil over 7 years ago

As far as I know it’s certainly possible to cut the entire ear off, but I would guess it would be difficult to do accidentally or in the heat of battle without causing other injuries to the face. But that’s entirely a guess on my part. I don’t know more than the basics about either Van Gogh or Gaughan or the incident. Sorry I can’t be more help!

Do you watch Law and Order?

Asked by Jimmy about 7 years ago

Not regularly, but I’ve caught many reruns over the years.

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 almost 7 years ago

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