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.

Does being a forensic scientist allow time to have a family of your own?

Asked by Sophie almost 6 years ago

Yes, of course! You often have to be a little flexible in your schedule, but it's no more a problem than in any other job.

Why did you want to be in the criminology department?

Asked by jasmine nunez almost 7 years ago

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

HI! Did you ever regret pursuing your job? Also, can you be both, a forensic scientist and a CSI?

Asked by Fenis almost 6 years ago

No, I've never regretted it. And your job title is whatever your agency says it is, so 'forensic scientist' and 'csi' can mean different things in different agencies, so you can certainly be both. the first implies you work mostly in the lab and the second implies you work mostly in the field, but depending on the size of the agency and any specialization you have, you might do both equally or they might be completely separate.

Are you able to tell if a person was unconscious just before death after examining the body? For example if someone hit their head and knocked themselves unconscious before they actually died?

Asked by TS about 7 years ago

I don't believe so (in fact I believe I address this question during an autopsy scene in my book Perish) but you'd have to ask a pathologist. Sorry I can't help.

Can you visit and read this and possibly help me?

https://ogburn.brainhoney.com/Frame/Component/CoursePlayer?enrollmentid=95998597

Asked by Al about 7 years ago

Sorry, the link just took me to the sign-in page.

Where you ever shocked by a crime scene?

Asked by Denise_ot5 almost 7 years ago

They’re all shocking, in their way, But there hasn’t been one in particular that bowled me over.