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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

989 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

What do you think is the minimum age for becoming a Forensic Scientist? Since it’s not (mostly) a sworn position can someone under 21 become one? What about under 18?

Asked by Samuel over 4 years ago

That entirely depends on the requirements of the hiring agency. Since they’d probably require advanced schooling so hirees would wind up being older. It also might have to do with liability if the person would need to drive agency vehicles, etc.

someone is alleged to have worn a t-shirt for over twelve hours on an 88 degrees day,dancing,drinking,and playing pool,but DNA testing revealed none of his DNA was found in said shirt.What are the odds of that,if not possible?

Asked by filomenasmith@yahoo.com over 4 years ago

That sounds odd, but were they looking for blood or semen stains in particular, or just the DNA of whoever wore it?

Is that possible with in 25 day. I mean decay process.

Asked by Kalyan reddy almost 5 years ago

I’m not a pathologist, so I really wouldn’t know for sure, but I know decomposition can vary wildly depending on circumstances—whether the body is exposed or contained or wrapped; temperature and humidity are majorly important; and predators, insects, water, shade vs sun, all can affect matters. My best guess is yes, it’s possible.

On a scale of 1-10 how hard is it to be a forensic scientist.

Asked by Fayyad over 4 years ago

7

Do witnesses often test positive for GSR residue on their hands? How close would they need to be when the firearm is discharged?

Asked by Cat twigg over 4 years ago

I couldn't tell you--I haven't personally done any studies of bystanders at a shooting. GSR analysis is usually testing for primer residue, which can escape from the gun when fired. So someone could have GSR on their hands if they handled a gun, if they touched a surface near to where a gun was fired, if they handled the gun after it was fired, etc. This is why, though they've stated this on television every day for fifty years, having gunshot residue on your hands doesn't prove you fired a gun. Not having gunshot residue on your hands doesn't prove you have not fired a gun. The particles are very tiny and easily dislodged. These are some of the reasons why most agencies don't do gunshot residue analysis any more. Hope that helps!

What kinds of people do you both love and hate working with? Thanks

Asked by Liam over 4 years ago

Well, as in any job, I like working with people who are competent, responsible and pleasant, whether they're forensic techs, cops, attorneys, or victims. And I dislike working with the opposite qualities.

how long can a DNA be found on a dried semen stain on skin considering the swab was taken after ejaculation's by more than 36 hours and the skin area haven't been washed

Asked by jo about 4 years ago

If the stain is still visible, then clearly the semen is still there, so I see no reason why it wouldn't still have DNA in it. There might be a mixture from swabbing up the skin cells as well as the stain.

Hope that helps!