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

Where would an author go if they wanted to ask questions of a forensic scientist in order to get details right for a book the are writing?

Asked by Arillius about 8 years ago

An excellent site is my friend Dr. Lyle's "The Writer's Forensic Blog" - https://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/

You also might attend any public events at your local police department, such as a citizen's academy. There you might meet members of the crime lab and see if any might be amenable to you emailing them questions now and then. Feel free to email me as well via my website: www.lisa-black.comBest of luck!

How did you decide on this type of work?

Asked by Violet almost 8 years ago

I loved mystery shows and books when I was a kid. I always wanted to be a detective, but didn't want to be a cop. And I always liked science.

What type of education/training does this job need to be successful in this type of work? What type of education/training have you had?

Asked by Violet almost 8 years ago

See above. I have a bachelor's degree in biology, plus over a thousand hours of continuing education in forensic topics (accumulated over 20 years).

Briefly describe your working conditions.

Asked by Violet almost 8 years ago

Our building is relatively new so I work in an nice office. If it weren't for all the skull-themed items you wouldn't know you weren't in an accountant's office or something. We have a small lab where we process items with superglue or dye stain. I have to go to crime scenes, of course, and those can be cramped, filthy, rainy and/or hot.

What are some pointers you would give a person concerning applying and interviewing for a job in this field?

Asked by Violet almost 8 years ago

Call all the crime labs in your area and ask what their requirements are. You can also check websites such as those for the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and International Association for Identification which will post vacancies and job descriptions.

can someone make their own fingerprints disapper from their own hands

Asked by fierce95@yahoo.com almost 8 years ago

Temporarily, with sandpaper or chemicals, but they will grow back in the same pattern.

How often did you encounter gloveprints? Can they be wiped? What are the necessary circumstances for them to exist? I'm asking not to become a murderer, but to help make a roleplaying case for people I know.

Asked by R-Mod over 7 years ago

Not often. Since a glove itself isn't secreting sweat and oils, there's really nothing for it to make a print with until it gets a little dirty or if the surface it's touching is a little dirty.They can be wiped off as easily as any other print.