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 choose this career?

Asked by Beanie over 4 years ago

I always loved mysteries and detection, but didn't want to be a cop.

I am complaining about a civil attorney. He was supposed to send me some photographs. He sent an envelope, said the photographs are enclosed, but they were not. He claims he sent them, and I lost them. Can the envelope be examined for residue?

Asked by Tom almost 6 years ago

Almost certainly, no. Unlike television, real forensic equipment is designed to test for certain things. For example the mass spectrometer in the toxicology department is set to test for illegal narcotics and not heavy metals such as arsenic. If arsenic is suspected, it could be detected with a different instrument or different parameters programmed into the same instrument. So I doubt there is any equipment that could be set up to detect microscopic amounts of photographic chemicals, if a photo would even shed any.

Your take on Gorge Floyd

Asked by DeeDee over 4 years ago

You know as much as I do.

What are some safety hazards, contamination / degradation hazards and how do u package SEMINAL STAINS A

Asked by Jayleen about 5 years ago

That's a pretty broad question. I can tell you that for both seminal stains and blood stains, the best way to package one is to let it dry, then place in a sterile paper envelope or bag. Never plastic! Then keep in a dry, cool environment.

Hope that helps.

Why did you want to be in the criminology department?

Asked by jasmine nunez over 5 years ago

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

Can we make a profile of a suspect (skin color, eye color, etc.) from DNA? If not, why not?

Asked by Mrs.McGurkin over 5 years ago

I actually don't know. I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years so I don't know all the details of what analysis can show. Sorry I can't be more help!

I want to become a forensic scientist but I've heard that you have to go through police academy and become a police officer first. Is that true?

Asked by Emily Jones over 5 years ago

That entirely depends upon what agency you work for. Some police department crime labs may have that requirement. Many, like mine, have civilian employees for forensic support. The only way to know is to call the place you might want to work at and ask. (Or check their website for job postings.)