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

Hi Lisa, have you ever thought about going through the process of becoming a sworn officer?

Asked by Scott about 5 years ago

No, thank you. I would never want to be a cop--I don' t know how they do what they do. I would hate having to deal with stressed-out people all day long.

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

Asked by Vin almost 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.

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 over 6 years ago

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

Your take on Gorge Floyd

Asked by DeeDee about 5 years ago

You know as much as I do.

Why did you want to be in the criminology department?

Asked by jasmine nunez about 6 years ago

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

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 over 6 years ago

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

How long will latent prints last when ninhydrin is used?

Asked by Krissy almost 6 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean: a) how long after a print is left will ninhydrin still detect it, in which case I can say from my own experiment that there's little rhyme or reason to this, sometimes older prints develop better than newer ones or vice versa, or b) how long does a print developed with ninhydrin last, and the answer to that is that ninhydrin is a dark purple dye, so it is permanent, though it will continue to develop so that the entire page may eventually turn purple so we use a fixative chemical on the now-visible print so that will stop the ninhydrin from darkening the paper further. I hope that helps!