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 5 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.

What do you think the worst thing you age ever seen in your job so far is?

Asked by Richard over 5 years ago

Probably a small plane crash. And one terrible case of elder neglect.

If fingerprints are collected from evidence that can be bagged, does this happen on the scene or later, at the lab? Has this procedure changed over time?

Asked by Satoko over 5 years ago

It hasn’t changed. In general it’s best to process an item at the scene so that handling and possible smudging is kept to a minimum, but it depends on many circumstances. If there isn’t a clean dry place to do it or if the person at the scene doesn’t feel their expertise is adequate for the particular item or mostly if the item needs other processing than the simple black powder or mag powder. If it’s a porous item like plastic or vinyl or paper and might need to be superglued or sprayed with dye, then it should be transported to the lab.

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

Asked by Fenis about 5 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.

What is the correct way to gather DNA address using mouth swab and if it's not done correctly is it considered contaminated

Asked by Britni over 5 years ago

Basically just use a sterile swab, rub it on the inside of the cheeks, and package it with a desiccant or in a paper envelope that would allow a little bit of air flow (not plastic). As long as it’s not soaked in someone else’s DNA or bleach or something, it’s pretty foolproof.

Hey i want to become a forensic scientist. I am currently a freshman in college majoring in criminal justice and minor in biology would i still be able to become a forensic?

Asked by ahmari fraiser over 5 years ago

That seems like a good plan. It depends on what you want to do--if you want to work in a lab you might want to major in biology or forensic science (if available) and minor in criminal justice. Titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or wherever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or International Association for Identification and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

Why does the BLM not give a half a shit about the Australian American woman who was shot?

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE almost 5 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.