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

Can you tell from skeletal cremains if a person was assaulted?

Asked by Avialane over 10 years ago

If bones survive the cremation process and show signs of physical trauma (such as fractures), then yes.

What requirements do you need to become a forensic scientist?

Asked by stephanie over 10 years ago

It depends entirely on where you work. The requirements are whatever your employer says they are (same with your job title). DNA analysts are often required to have a PhD in genetics. At the coroner's I had to have a BS in one of the natural sciences. At my police department they only require a high school diploma, but give extra points for advanced schooling so we all have BSs. The best way to get an idea is to go to different agencies' websites and look at help wanted postings.

Is there anything wrong with having glasses or contact lenses if you want to be a forensic scientist? Will it interfere with your chances at being hired?

Asked by Barry89 over 10 years ago

No. I've worn glasses since the 5th grade and had no trouble being hired.

Hello! Is there a way that I could get a chance to interview a forensic scientist for a college paper of mine?

Asked by Danielle B over 10 years ago

Yes, I'll email you.

Does the pericardium fill with blood upon expiration or after expiration, or at all after death

Asked by g.hill over 10 years ago

I'm sorry but I would have no idea. You'd have to ask a pathologist.

I have read information regarding chemical enhancement techniques to view fingerprints in blood, however this got me thinking, does the use of fingerprint enhacement techniques such as powders suspension harm the confirmatory test for blood

Asked by Emily over 11 years ago

No. Almost all blood enhancement reagents will not destroy the blood for DNA testing. I don't think it would affect confirmatory tests either, but If we wanted to do a confirmatory test for blood such as phenolphthalein we would probably just do it on a spot where the marks were smeared or otherwise not useful as fingerprints.

my ex husband put tramadol to his Sprite drink and personally sent the specimen to the forensic lab on Aug 24; which was as dated as Received by the lab but the label in the specimen bottle was Aug 19.
My question is what was the time lapse? help

Asked by Clarity over 10 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. You'll have to ask the lab. I'd love to know myself--I'd also love to know why your ex drugged his own drink and then paid to have a lab analyze it.