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

Have you ever had to go to court for a case?

Asked by Jay almost 6 years ago

Yes, about 60 times over 25 years. But not nearly as often as you'd think.

I am about to graduate with a bachelors in forensic science. Moving forward, would employers look away if I got my graduate degree online?

Asked by ssosiak1@gmail.com almost 6 years ago

Not necessarily. I would say in this day and age, all bets are off.

What changes in DNA identification technology have you seen over the past ten years? What have been the biggest/most significant changes?

Asked by Diana almost 6 years ago

Probably 'touch' DNA, getting a DNA profile from someone's skin cells where they touched something. It's always a bit of a crapshoot because without a visible stain, you can't be sure there's any DNA there at all. But it's worth a try and sometimes we get results.



Hi, lets say someone committed statutory rape on one person on only one occasion. Could they be charged with rape, inciting a minor, child molestation, and sodomy

Asked by Davi over 6 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. I have no legal training. You'd have to ask a cop or a lawyer.

Hi, have you heard about the Hilary Clinton being subpoenaed for a disposition? The emails among other things. How will they detemine gulit and what do you think?

Asked by JAY almost 6 years ago

Not my field.

Have you ever seen something that traumatized you before?

Asked by Saul almost 6 years ago

There was a really bad case of elder abuse that I think I blocked out of my mind for the most part, because I can picture only a brief image of it while I remember everything else about the call. Other than that, no.

I really want to pursue a career in forensics, however I am discouraged in the requirements of mathematics. Where do those studies become practical and a part of the daily grind?

Asked by Jess about 6 years ago

I don't know of any particular mathematics requirements. You'd need enough basic math skills to balance chemical equations, calculate reagents in formulas, and record accurate measurements. Ballistics or accident investigation might need more advanced skills, but I would not know about that. Good luck!