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

Would it be better to have a bachelors degree in biology? Or a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice focused on forensics?

Asked by Sabrina over 8 years ago

That depends on what job you're applying for--does it entail more lab work or more scene work? The only way to know for sure is call the places you might want to work and ask, or at least check out job postings online.

Could a persons pants instantly catch on fire , front and back from using a torch?

Asked by Dana Blackmon over 8 years ago

I'm sure that depends on what material the pants were made of.

What's one of the weirdest cases you've worked?

Asked by Emily over 8 years ago

Unfortunately I can't really discuss that on a public forum. And they're all weird, in their way.

if you could choose, would you rather work in a lab or on a crime scene?

Asked by kenia over 8 years ago

I like doing both, because being in the lab all the time can get tedious, but being at crime scenes all the time can get exhausting.

During interviews, is there a certain type of "personality" that forensic scientists look for?

Asked by kwow111 almost 8 years ago

No, just attention to detail and patience.

Can cigarette remains (Butts, partially smoked, etc.) be used to identify time in forensic investigation? (ex: Staleness)

Asked by Wolf - Research for Novel about 8 years ago

Not as far as I know. I think that would be too difficult because even if you could assess staleness, you wouldn't know how fast the person smokes a pack, therefore how long the pack had been open, how it had been stored, etc.

Hi there! I was wondering if I can interview you for my school project ? if so please contact me @litzy475@gmail.com

Asked by Litzy garza about 8 years ago

Yes, I'll email you when I'm back at work tomorrow.