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.
The title 'forensic scientist' doesn't mean anything in particular--job titles will vary by the agency. It would be better to major in a natural science or in forensic science so you could get as much lab experience as possible, but the only way to know for sure what the job requirements are is to call the place(s) you want to work and ask.
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It would still be discoverable up to a point. How much dilution it could take, I'm afraid I don't know.
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That all depends on where you work and what your job duties are. I spent about 90% of my time sitting in front of a computer looking at fingerprints. When I was at the coroner's office I probably spent 40% of the time examining victim's clothing, 10% on gunshot residue testing, 30% on hairs and fibers, and 20% everything else.
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Take as many science courses as you can. Visit all the crime labs in your area, talk to people, and try to get an internship in one or more of them.
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Security / Bodyguard
Have you ever had to disarm an attacker?
Sitcom Writer
Is reality TV here to stay?
Veterinarian
How do you break the news to a kid when his pet dies?
Yes. Unless I could make it as an architect. I would really like that too.
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You have to have good attention to detail, can work under stress and unpredictable circumstances, be patient and cautious.
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I'm so sorry but I wouldn't have any idea since I've never worked in toxicology. And since my agency doesn't do it either I don't have anyone to ask.
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