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

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.

sorry I also have another question, Should I continue with graduate school in the same forensic field or should I expand?
Thank you!

Asked by Kimmi almost 7 years ago

That depends entirely on what in the field of forensic science you want to do. The best way is to call some of the places you’d like to work as ask what their requirements would be, because they can vary all over the country. Smaller labs will want you to cross train.Larger ones might want you to specialize.

Good luck!!

What is the regular intern day/night shift?

Asked by Crime Scene Investigator about 7 years ago

We don't have a set schedule for interns. They'll come in on weekdays, but other than that we work with their school/work schedule.

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

Asked by Denise_ot5 about 7 years ago

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

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.

Can a body be in water and not have rigamortis?

Asked by Amanda Marsh over 7 years ago

As far as I know, water doesn’t change the process of rigor mortis. The temperature of the water may speed it up or slow it down, but the process would still occur.

I'm going to be graduating high school in a few months and I'm looking to do forensic science, mostly leaning towards biology and examining. I want to know if going to a FEPAC school really matters.

Asked by Morgan over 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I don't know what a FEPAC school is.