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

Asked by Violet over 9 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.

What kind of off the job training is required?

Asked by Kaylee Marr almost 10 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by 'off the job training.'

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 over 9 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).

can someone make their own fingerprints disapper from their own hands

Asked by fierce95@yahoo.com over 9 years ago

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

Hypothetical question: if someone died in a brand spankin' new car (very few germs/bacteria, tight seal on the doors and windows) how long would it take for the body to decompose? What would it look like in, say, 75 years?

Asked by Jordy over 9 years ago

Interesting question, but I doubt I can be of much help. A body can do one of two things after death--decompose or desiccate. So it might turn into sludge or it might become a mummy. It might depend on temperature or pH levels (more relevant if the car was buried) to determine which way it would go. Being sealed would definitely slow the process to a crawl. I had a body in an attic once that was partially wrapped in plastic, and after three years the wrapped areas still had plenty of flesh and the unwrapped parts were down to bone.

What is some things people worry about when coming a forensic scientist?

Asked by Kristen over 9 years ago

Usually the biggest worry is getting sick or faint around dead bodies. But actually they rarely do.

What is the future outlook for this profession?

Asked by Candace about 9 years ago

DNA and digital forensics will continue to grow in terms of technology and attention.