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 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.

If someone takes their own life by hanging is it common for it to be a double knot?

Asked by Kim almost 7 years ago

There’s a wide variety of knots as people tend to use whatever they think will work.

I hope that helps.

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 6 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!

I am a student doing a research report, when can we connect?

Asked by Meshya Ragan over 6 years ago

Email me at: lisa-black@live.com.

How can I start a path towards becoming a forensic scientist? I am especially interested in DNA and toxicology.

Asked by Ryota over 5 years ago

I would major in biochemistry for either, and/or genetics for DNA. Best of luck!!

Have you ever been emotional with the cases you have worked on?

Asked by Denise_ot5 over 6 years ago

Once in a great while something will catch me when I’m not expecting it. But very rarely.

Your take on Gorge Floyd

Asked by DeeDee over 5 years ago

You know as much as I do.