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

Why did you want to be in the criminology department?

Asked by jasmine nunez about 7 years ago

If you have a list of homework questions, please email me at: Lisa-black@live.com

I’m currently in high school expected towards b’s and a’s I want to do forensics analysing Dna from crime scenes or what is closest to that, what qualifications would you suggest for me to proceed to take? Thank you

Asked by Daniel wikinson over 6 years ago

If you want to be a DNA analyst you may need a Masters or PhD in genetics, depending on the requirements of the agency or facility. Check vacancy postings at professional organizations, such as https://webdata.aafs.org/public/jobs/postings.aspx and https://www.theiai.org/job_listings.php.

Best of luck!

Why do some think that these forms are chat rooms?

Asked by Donaldsonerson over 6 years ago

I don’t know what you mean by that.

Do you worry about the corona virus?

Asked by Jamie over 6 years ago

So far it hasn’t come up in my work, and we have lots of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Do you help with Forensic Homework?

Asked by Al over 7 years ago

I think that's what I'm doing most of the time when I answer questions on this site. If you look over the previous Q&As you'll probably see a lot of homework questions.

Hi how are you, I just wanted to ask about the requirement for becoming a Forensic scientist , and if their any drawback, and if one can self employ after school

Asked by Rahmat about 7 years ago

The requirements to work in a forensic capacity depend upon the agency--it might be anything from a high school diploma to a PhD for DNA analysis. The only way to know is to contact each agency and ask. Or at least check their websites, or the websites of forensic organizations such as IAI and AAFS, which post job vacancies. Drawbacks can be a lower salary than in the private sector, hours of work, having to work overtime or be on call. I don't know what you mean by 'self employ,' sorry. There are no 'freelance' type forensic positions that I know of, unless you have a specialty like soil analysis or anthropology, then you might be able to work doing consulting work when needed. But you'd have to have many years experience before that would be an option. I hope that helps! Best of luck!

After a person kills themself with firearm, does their hand maintain the grip or does the gun fall from the hand?

Asked by Vin over 6 years ago

It depends upon their position and the recoil of the gun and mostly on gravity. I've seen a few where the gun is in their hand, not so much because they're gripping it but because the hand falls to their lap or their side or something. But most of the time the gun has fallen to the floor or at least a lower spot.