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

Would you be fired if you accidently messed something up and ruined a case? Even if it was a total mess up and no negligence was involved. What if there was?

Asked by Melvin over 6 years ago

That would depend entirely on what the mess up was and what it affected, and whether it was an honest mistake or the result of negligence or bias. For a serious mistake, yes, I'd probably be fired.

Does a person have to have a strong stomach to do a job like yours?

Asked by Jerry about 6 years ago

It helps. But I know good homicide detectives who do it for years and still have a weak stomach and they do fine.

Do you see yourself doing this job in the next ten years?

Asked by Trump 2020 MAGA KAG over 6 years ago

Yes.

I have not used cocaine in a year, why is my hair still testing positive for cocaine?

Asked by Terence J Donnelly almost 7 years ago

Hair is just dead cells, so once something is there, it stays there. Hair grows at about 1/2 inch per month, in general (mine, to my frustration, grows much more slowly). So if your hair is longer than say 6 inches, the cocaine will still be there. If your hair is much shorter, then I don’t know what’s happening.Hope that helps.

Can I ask you some questions for my novel? I need some things fact-checked. Probably too long to write on here.

Asked by Paula over 6 years ago

Sure! Email me at Lisa-black@live.com.

Is it true that if someone testes positive or inconclusive for COVID-19 and they die no matter how their death is ruled as COVID-19 even if it is just a suspicion that they had the illness?

Asked by dfasdfasd about 6 years ago

Honestly, I have no idea. I don't believe we've had any cases in my town yet, or perhaps I don't know because the police department wasn't involved.

Also, only the coroner's or medical examiner's office can declare a cause of death, or the attending doctor if they're under a doctor's care at the time. It's not up to the police department or any other government agency.

How is it determined that rape occurred after death?

Asked by JODI about 7 years ago

That’s an excellent question that I”m sorry I can’t answer. You will need to ask a pathologist. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!