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 is the importance of physical fingerprinting in a scientific sphere of DNA profiling?

Asked by Nic over 5 years ago

I”m sorry but I don’t understand the question. What is physical fingerprinting and what is a scientific sphere?

I am writing a paper on the neuroses and role of sadistic behavior of female-targeting serial murderers. With your professional stance, I feel that your contribution would be helpful. Do you have information on this topic?

Asked by HG almost 6 years ago

Sorry, but no. I’ve never been involved in the psychology of the suspects.Best of luck!

My son died in a car accident. They took him to hospital, then morgue. 3 days later they did blood tests and said he was over the legal limit for alcohol. Is it possible that the numbers are wrong because of the time lapse. Thanks.

Asked by Meho1979 over 5 years ago

I'm so sorry for your loss. They most likely drew the blood right away, and tested it three days later. As far as I know that would not affect the results--bodily fluids are usually not tested immediately since the M.E. or coroner's office sends the samples to a different location for testing. Blood for alcohol testing is collected in special gray topped tubes for that particular purpose, designed to keep the results accurate. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

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 over 5 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!!

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 almost 5 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!

Good morning, My name is scott hunter and i a trying to research, career exploration. I was wondering if it would be possible to meet with you or call you to learn about your profession?i would be greatful for about 20 minutes of your time. Thank you

Asked by scott almost 6 years ago

Sure, no problem. Please email me at lisa-black@live.com.

Hi! I'm writing a research paper and wanted to know....What kind of specialized language do you use to communicate with other in your field? Doctors use things like "code blue", do you guys have something like that when you'r talking about case?

Asked by Des over 5 years ago

We don't have any particular code words so that only we know what we're talking about. Police departments have all sorts of codes for types of crime--such as, where I live, a signal 23 is a burglary. Signal 4 is a traffic accident. 10-8 means you're on duty and available. 10-6 means you're on duty but busy. If we're somewhere, like a crime scene, and we don't want other people to overhear us we're just careful to move away and out of earshot. Hope that helps!